The first social equity cannabis licensee from Maryland’s most recent lottery officially opened this month in Millington, Maryland.
Kent Reserve, an adult-use cannabis shop, will be run by longtime Millington resident, Rahul Dutta. The dispensary received a social equity license in the state’s most recent cannabis license lottery. It will be located at 400 Cypress Street, Millington.
“As a proud resident of Kent County, I’m excited for Kent Reserve to become a trusted community resource for health and wellness, helping destigmatize cannabis and advocate for its responsible use,” Dutta said in a press release.
Dutta, a longtime Millington small business owner, said he is committed to supporting his community and advancing cannabis dialogue. He was awarded a social equity license through Maryland’s 2024 lottery, designed to promote minority and women-owned cannabis businesses and address historic disparities in cannabis industry ownership.
According to the company website, Kent Reserve believes “in the power of cannabis to enhance wellness.” The dispensary will also be the first cannabis retailer in Kent County. It will offer SunMed, Culta, Grow West, and Curio products, according to a press release.
At Kent Reserve customers, both medical and adult-use 21 years and older, can utilize pre-ordering online and a drive-thru pick up. Outside of in-store purchases, Kent Reserve also provides local delivery.
Kent Reserve is the first of over 150 lottery awardees to open in the almost year since the first new licenses were awarded. The lottery licenses included manufacturers and cultivators.
As the state’s cannabis market continues to evolve, the state legislature recently approved a budget bill that raises the sales tax on adult-use cannabis products from 9% to 12%, effective July 1, 2025. This tax hike is part of a broader effort to address a $3.3 billion budget deficit and has sparked concerns among industry advocates about potential impacts on consumers and licensed businesses.
To support social equity licensees navigating these changes, the Maryland Office of Social Equity is hosting Technical Assistance Open Houses on April 16 and April 30. The sessions aim to foster collaboration and gather feedback from social equity licensees.
“These sessions help us listen, learn and adjust, ensuring our programs reflect the real needs of social equity entrepreneurs,” Executive Director Audrey Johnson told the Outlaw. Participation is limited to social equity license holders
