September 8th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Maryland’s Office of Social Equity will open a portal today for the second round of cannabis licensing in the state.  Maryland is the only state exclusively reserving licenses for social equity applicants.    The application process will ensure an entity is at least 65% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who meet one of three criteria:  1 – Has lived in a disproportionately impacted area for at least five of the last 10 years.  2 – Attended a public school in an impacted area for at least five years and   3 – Attended a four-year institution of higher education in Maryland where at least 40% of the individuals received a Pell Grant.  Allegany County meets 2 of the 3 criteria required. The portal will be open for 60 days.  For more information, visit www.ose.maryland.gov