Gov. Wes Moore announced the appointment of Tabatha Robinson as the new director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration, succeeding former director Will Tilburg. Robinson, currently serving as executive deputy director of economic development and acting chief equity officer for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, brings experience in cannabis policy and social equity initiatives to the role.
“In Maryland, we are transforming cannabis policy from a cudgel to an instrument for shared prosperity and economic advancement,” said Gov. Moore in a press release.
“We are grateful that Tabatha Robinson is lending her expertise, judgment, and vision to this critical work. Under Tabatha’s steady leadership, Maryland will continue to build out a thriving cannabis market that sets the standard for the rest of the country.”
In her role with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Robinson worked to drive economic programs and ensure social equity in the state’s cannabis market. Notably, over 50% of new cannabis licenses have been awarded to social equity business owners in New York, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusivity and restorative justice.
“Tabatha has been an invaluable and principled partner at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management,” said New York State Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. “Her commitment to fostering equitable economic development has been evident in all she does and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.”
Robinson also spearheaded the expansion of New York’s medical cannabis market, developing a new application system and overseeing the evaluation of deals in both the medical and recreational sectors.
Prior to her role in New York State government, Robinson served as a corporate attorney and as Special Assistant Attorney General for Workers’ Rights in Washington, D.C.’s Office of the Attorney General. She holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, and a B.A. from Stanford University.
“Maryland’s cannabis industry is a national model and its success is a testament to prioritizing product safety for consumers and promoting social equity market-wide,” said Tabatha Robinson.
Robinson will begin her new role on Feb. 19, 2025.
This appointment follows the successful implementation of the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 in Maryland, which legalized adult-use cannabis in the state.
In 2024, the Maryland Cannabis Administration conducted a licensing round exclusively for social equity applicants, with 75% of new licenses being awarded to minority-owned firms. Maryland’s cannabis industry has experienced significant growth, exceeding $1.1 billion in sales in its first full year of adult-use operation.
