The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), in partnership with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS), has officially issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather operational feedback from nonprofit organizations interested in managing the state’s upcoming Cannabis Incubator Facility.
Conceived as a first-in-the-nation, state-run infrastructure model, the incubator program aims to dismantle significant capital barriers for social equity micro-businesses by offering shared operational space, commercial processing equipment, and specialized technical assistance.
Built for Micro-Licensees, Closed to Retail
Under statutory authority granted by Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis Article § 36-406, the MCA is authorized to collaborate with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) to acquire and build out the facility, while DGS is tasked with contracting a qualified nonprofit entity to handle day-to-day operations.
Key features of the proposed incubator model include:
- Shared Operational Infrastructure: Micro-licensees will gain access to shared processing space, commercial-grade equipment, and secure storage areas to process and prepare cannabis products for off-site wholesale distribution and delivery.
- No Public Retail: The facility will strictly function as an operational and processing hub. It will not conduct retail sales and will remain closed to the general public.
- Workforce Development & Compliance: The managing nonprofit will offer micro-licensees hands-on technical training, standard operating procedure (SOP) development, business scaling skills, and regulatory compliance instruction (such as FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines).
Qualifications & RFI Requirements
State officials are seeking input from nonprofits with proven experience running medium-to-large facilities containing complex technical equipment and stringent regulatory compliance protocols. MCA is particularly interested in best practices drawn from existing business incubator models and established cannabis industry practices.
To participate in the procurement process:
- Platform Registration: Submissions must be uploaded via Maryland’s online procurement portal, eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).
- Submission Deadline: All responses must be submitted no later than September 28, 2026.
- Inquiries: Questions regarding the submission process should be directed to state procurement officer Maureen Loiseau.
For complete details on the facility scope, visit the state’s official Cannabis Incubator Space page.
