On May 3, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation to implement the voter-approved legalization measure that passed in the November 2022 election. The General Assembly’s legislation provides guidelines for Maryland’s adult-use cannabis industry, which will be launched on July 1, 2023. The bill includes provisions that address social equity, criminal justice reform, and public health.

According to Cannabis Business Times, the legislation includes provisions for automatic expungement of certain cannabis-related offenses, prioritizing licenses for minority-owned businesses and individuals harmed by the war on drugs, and ensuring that the cannabis industry provides benefits to the communities most affected by prohibition. The bill also establishes a tax structure for adult-use cannabis sales, with the revenue being used for public education and other initiatives.

The implementation of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market is expected to bring economic benefits to the state, including increased tax revenue and job creation. It is estimated that the market could generate over $200 million in annual tax revenue and create thousands of jobs.

With the legalization of adult-use cannabis, Maryland joins a growing list of states that have legalized cannabis for recreational use, including Colorado, California, and Massachusetts. The legalization of cannabis for recreational use is a significant milestone in the cannabis industry, as it indicates a shift in public opinion towards the acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate and valuable industry.

The implementation of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis market is an exciting development for cannabis enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors in the state. It is expected to create new business opportunities, provide relief to those who have been disproportionately impacted by prohibition, and further advance the acceptance and normalization of cannabis use in society.

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Major Corporations Investing in Cannabis

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the country, major corporations are increasingly taking notice and investing in the industry. In April of 2023, a major beverage company announced a $100 million investment in a cannabis-infused drink startup, signaling the growing trend of large corporations entering the cannabis space.

Breaking Boundaries: Cannabis Wholesale Revolutionizes Hawaii’s Market

In the idyllic landscape of Hawaii, where natural barriers isolate its islands, a pioneering trend is taking root. Several medical cannabis companies in the state are now engaged in wholesale distribution, facilitating the sale and delivery of marijuana products between islands. This groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone for the Hawaiian cannabis industry and is a rarity in the broader U.S. market.

Cannabis Infused Beverages Are On The Rise

Cannabis consumption is no longer limited to smoking or edibles. In recent years, the industry has seen the rise of cannabis-infused beverages as a new way for consumers to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. These drinks come in various forms such as sodas, teas, beers, and even wines. With their discreet nature and easy consumption, cannabis-infused beverages have become increasingly popular among cannabis consumers.

U.S. Cannabis Sales Could Total $71B in 2030 Without Federal Legalization

The recently released 2023 U.S. Cannabis Report by New Frontier Data has shed light on the remarkable growth potential of the cannabis industry in the United States. With state-level legalization gaining momentum and the absence of federal policy reform, the report predicts a substantial increase in annual cannabis sales over the next seven years.

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