Maryland has continued its strong marijuana sales trend with over $95 million sold in October.
According to data released by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, there was $96,122,126 worth of marijuana and marijuana products sold legally in October, a slight increase from the $93 million sold in September. Sales data includes dried marijuana flower and prerolls, as well as a variety of marijuana products including marijuana concentrates, edibles and topicals. Of the $96 million sold, $71 million was purchased for recreational use, with medical marijuana patients purchasing $25 million in product.
The year-to-date total for marijuana sales in Maryland is now $944 million, putting the state on track to pass the $1 billion mark in November. The top month for the year reminds August, with $100.6 million in marijuana sales.
Maryland voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2022. The law allows those 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounces of dried marijuana flower and 12 grams of marijuana concentrates. The first licensed marijuana store opened on July 1, 2023.
In Maryland, recreational marijuana is subject to a 9% state tax and up to a 3% local tax, though medical marijuana patients are exempt. The Maryland Cannabis Administration oversees the industry, with the Division of Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement handling licensing and regulatory duties.
Approximately 30% of marijuana tax revenue is allocated to the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, which supports programs in communities historically impacted by drug policies. This includes workforce development, youth recreation, and reentry services for individuals with past marijuana convictions. Public education receives about 25% of the revenue, aiding schools and early childhood education initiatives. Around 20% is dedicated to substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. About 15% covers administrative costs for regulating the marijuana program, while the remaining 10% goes to the state’s general fund.