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Bill

SB 221

Cannabis - Wholesaler License - Establishment

2025 Regular Session

Maryland bill establishes cannabis wholesaler licenses to distribute products between producers and retailers, potentially improving supply chain efficiency while raising consolidation and market control concerns.

Hearing 1/30 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 221

Legislative bill overview

SB 221 establishes a new wholesaler license category for Maryland's regulated cannabis market, allowing entities to distribute cannabis products between licensed producers and retailers. The bill creates regulatory framework and licensing requirements for wholesale operations in the state's existing cannabis licensing structure.

Why is this important

Wholesalers serve as a critical middle layer in legal cannabis supply chains, potentially improving product distribution efficiency, reducing costs for retailers, and strengthening market oversight. This could expand Maryland's cannabis industry capacity and create new business opportunities while generating regulatory revenue.

Potential points of contention

  • Market consolidation concerns: Wholesaler licenses could be concentrated among large corporations, potentially squeezing out smaller producers and retailers from competitive markets
  • Pricing and product control: Unclear how wholesale pricing will be regulated and whether wholesalers will have power to influence which products reach consumers or restrict small producers' market access
  • Regulatory clarity gaps: The bill's recent filing status and pending January 30 hearing suggest details about licensing criteria, operational standards, and oversight mechanisms may still be under development and subject to change

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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