The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) is seeking industry feedback on a new package of proposed regulations that would affect cannabis licensees across the state, from cultivators and dispensaries to conditional license holders. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted through July 27, 2026.
For operators, one of the most significant changes would allow conditional licensees to request up to two six-month extensions if they meet certain eligibility requirements, providing additional flexibility for businesses working toward becoming operational.
The proposal also establishes minimum labor standards for licensed cultivators and formally codifies corrective and preventive action (CAPA) requirements, giving growers clearer compliance expectations while strengthening protections for employees.
Product manufacturers and dispensaries would also see several notable updates. The MCA is proposing to create a new sublingual pouch product category with specific packaging and labeling requirements. At the retail level, micro dispensaries could be required to distribute the same customer-facing educational materials already required at standard dispensaries, helping standardize consumer information across the market.
Perhaps the most notable packaging change would eliminate Maryland’s current “plain packaging” requirement while maintaining—and expanding—restrictions designed to prevent products from appealing to minors. The proposal also defines what constitutes medical and therapeutic claims, providing additional guidance for product marketing and advertising.
Finally, the rulemaking would establish formal discovery procedures for certain administrative enforcement actions and make a series of technical corrections intended to better align existing regulations with current MCA policy.
While many of the amendments are administrative in nature, the proposal signals the MCA’s continued effort to refine Maryland’s adult-use regulatory framework as the market matures. Operators, licensees, and other stakeholders have until July 27, 2026, to submit comments before the regulations move toward final adoption. Stakeholders may submit comments on the proposed regulations to mca.policy@maryland.gov.
