26-0060R: Informational Hearing – Cannabis Licenses FOR the purpose of requiring representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, the Department of Planning, and the Office of the Zoning Administrator, and inviting representatives from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, the Maryland Office of Social Equity, and any interested stakeholders, to appear before the City Council to discuss: (1) the approval process for cannabis businesses located in the City; (2) the City’s role in compliance with the requirements for cannabis businesses under State law; and (3) the experience of cannabis businesses operating or seeking to operate in the City, including those that have been granted a social equity license by the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

Description

Informational Hearing – Cannabis Licenses FOR the purpose of requiring representatives from the Baltimore City Health Department, the Department of Planning, and the Office of the Zoning Administrator, and inviting representatives from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, the Maryland Office of Social Equity, and any interested stakeholders, to appear before the City Council to discuss: (1) the approval process for cannabis businesses located in the City; (2) the City’s role in compliance with the requirements for cannabis businesses under State law; and (3) the experience of cannabis businesses operating or seeking to operate in the City, including those that have been granted a social equity license by the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

Summary

Baltimore City Council Resolution 26-0060R, introduced July 13, 2026, would hold an informational hearing on cannabis licensing in Baltimore. City Health Department, Planning Department, and Zoning Administration representatives would be required to participate; the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Office of Social Equity, and stakeholders would be invited. The hearing would examine the approval process, the City’s responsibilities under State law, and the experiences of cannabis businesses, including social equity licensees. The resolution discusses State rules limiting dispensaries near other dispensaries and sensitive locations, as well as eligibility for social equity licenses intended to expand opportunities for people from communities disproportionately affected by cannabis possession enforcement. It creates no new licensing rules but seeks public information and coordination among agencies.