Maryland’s cannabis sales hit more than $1.1B in first year of legalization

ANNAPOLIS, Md. ( DC News Now ) — It’s been one year since Maryland legalized the retail sale of cannabis and sales across the state have already hit the billion dollar mark.

In a news release, Governor Wes Moore announced that medical and adult-use retail sales have passed $1.1 billion since the recreational use of cannabis was legalized on July 1, 2023.

According to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, monthly sales for the adult-use market surpassed $95 million in June.

“Our new adult-use cannabis market isn’t only generating extraordinary economic activity – it’s also helping us build new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all,” said Gov. Moore in a release.

“Making Maryland more competitive means ensuring that everyone can reap the benefits of Maryland’s economic growth. This important milestone proves how our administration continually – and repeatedly – honors our deep commitment to that mission.”

The cannabis administration said the adult-use market accounted for over $67 million in sales. During the past year, the government said these sales totaled more than $700 million and medical sales hit nearly $400 million.

“This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of countless individuals who believe in the transformative power of equitable cannabis policies,” said Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson in a release.

Additionally, in the last year, the government has implemented several initiatives surrounding cannabis including the recently announced Cannabis Workforce Program . This helps people with cannabis-related criminal offenses enter the workforce. The state also teamed up with the Marland Department of Health to launch the safety campaign, “BeCannabisSmart,” to promote safe and responsible cannabis use.

“As exciting as the past year has been, we expect the year ahead to be even more so, as new social equity businesses bring their passion and innovation to the Maryland market,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg.

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