For the third time in just four months, Maryland has broken a record for monthly marijuana sales, and for the first time ever sales have passed $100 million.
According to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, there was exactly $100,624,451 worth of marijuana sold legally in August. A strong majority of these sales —$73 million— was purchased by recreational marijuana consumers, with around $27 million purchased by medical marijuana patients.
The $100.6 million is nearly $3 million more than the total sales for July’s ($97.9 million), which was at the time a new monthly record.
The year-to-date total for marijuana sales in Maryland is now over $750 million.
In August, $59 million of the marijuana purchased legally was dried flower, followed by $29 million spent on concentrates and $12 million spent on edibles.
As of August 31, the average price per gram of dried marijuana in Maryland was $9.64
Maryland legalized recreational marijuana in 2022 via a voter-approved initiative, permitting adults aged 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. 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.
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