John Schroyer
With a deadline looming of Monday evening at midnight, Maryland lawmakers continued negotiations Friday on a bill to launch recreational marijuana sales in the state by July 1.
If they don’t reach a deal before Tuesday, the market’s formal start will have to wait until 2024.
The two legislative chambers each approved similar bills, but they continue to disagree on an appropriate tax rate for adult-use cannabis products, the Associated Press reported.
While the House bill would impose a 6% rate that would increase annually until it hits 10%, the Senate bill would establish a flat 9% tax that would not change over time.
The Daily Record reported that one House Committee voted Friday to approve a 9% tax, in line with the Senate bill, a sign that legislators are likely to reach a consensus before time runs out.
If lawmakers do pass a final bill by Monday, it will allow existing medical marijuana shops to launch recreational sales right away in July, and there will be additional business permits awarded under a new social equity program, the AP reported.
Maryland voters approved recreational legalization in November 2022.
