Maryland Legalizes Cannabis Market with New Rules.

Maryland lawmakers have passed a bill legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis in the state, with a 9% sales tax and the majority of profits going to communities most affected by the war on drugs. The bill allows medical cannabis businesses to initially set up the market, with the legal sale of recreational cannabis expected to begin this summer. The legislation also includes provisions for social equity applicants and a new fund for local organizations serving communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. The state is estimated to bring in $13 million in fiscal 2023 and $67 million by fiscal 2027.