Regulations adopted by the Natalie M. Laprade Medical Cannabis Commission are evaluated by the Administration, which adopts emergency regulations to carry out the licensure requirements of the law. Procedures related to cannabis applications, licenses, and registrations are implemented by the Administration as are inventory management and tracking that does not differentiate between adult–use or medical cannabis, or cannabis products before the point of sale, except for products allowed by the Administration for sale only to patients and caregivers. The Administration also helps the Comptroller of Maryland in the collection of taxes imposed on the sale of adult–use cannabis (Code Tax-General Article, sec. 11–104(k)).
The Administration is required to establish operating requirements for cannabis licensees, or cannabis registrants, including requirements for security, lighting, physical security, video, and alarms; safe and secure delivery, transport, and storage of cannabis. It also sets operating requirements to prevent the sale or diversion of cannabis and cannabis products to persons under the age of 21 years; for packaging and labeling of cannabis and cannabis products, including child–resistant packaging; and for health and safety standards governing the cultivation, manufacture, testing, and dispensing of cannabis or cannabis products.
The Director of the Administration is appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent (Code Health-General, secs. 36-101 through 36-201).
Within the Administration are the Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, as well as three units: the Licensing and Compliance Division; the Office of Policy and Government Affairs; and Public Health and Education.
Public Health and Education oversees the Workforce Initiatives and Strategic Partnership Division and seven offices: Budget and Procurement; Communications and Outreach; Compliance and Regulations; Human Resources; Information Technology; Laboratory Services; and Public Health, Data, and Education.
WORKFORCE INITIATIVES & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DIVISION
The Division builds relations between the cannabis industry (including institutions of higher education and cannabis businesses), and grassroots organizations and community groups. It fosters a high-quality and inclusive cannabis industry and monitors social equity licensee diversity plans. The Division also manages policy development and promotes statewide partnerships that connect the Administration's work to diverse communities, while providing development training to foster a skilled and well-informed industry workforce.
Search the Manual
PUBLIC HEALTH & EDUCATION
Originally called the Public Health and Communications Division, the unit was renamed Public Health and Education by October 2025.
Formerly called the Office of Resource, Enterprise, and Diversity Investment, the Workforce Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships Division received its current name in May 2026.
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line
e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov
|
|| Search the Archives || Education & Outreach || Archives of Maryland Online ] Governor General Assembly Judiciary Maryland.Gov
|