The Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation (CCPER) has launched a forum series designed to prepare Black entrepreneurs for Maryland's growing cannabis industry, where equity applicants continue to face barriers to market entry.
The initiative comes as Maryland's adult-use market enters its second year of operation, with equity license holders still struggling to secure financing and operational support. Industry data shows that while the state designated 60% of initial licenses for social equity applicants, many have yet to open dispensaries or cultivation facilities.
"Access to capital remains the single biggest challenge," said representatives from CCPER, which formed specifically to address racial disparities in cannabis business ownership. The forum series aims to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with industry mentors, legal resources, and potential investors.
The Equity Gap
Maryland legalized recreational cannabis in November 2022, with sales launching in July 2023. The state's regulatory framework included provisions meant to boost participation from communities disproportionately affected by prohibition enforcement. Yet the numbers tell a different story than intended.
Black residents represent roughly 31% of Maryland's population but account for less than 10% of cannabis business ownership in the state, according to regulatory filings. The disparity mirrors national trends, where minority ownership in the legal cannabis sector lags far behind demographic representation.
CCPER's forums focus on practical business skills: license application strategies, compliance requirements, real estate negotiations, and banking relationships. The coalition has partnered with existing operators who share their experiences navigating regulatory hurdles and scaling operations.
Building Networks
The forum series also addresses what organizers call "information asymmetry"—the gap between well-connected industry insiders and newcomers trying to break in. Established operators often have relationships with attorneys, accountants, and landlords familiar with cannabis regulations. First-time applicants lack these networks.
Attendees learn about Maryland's specific licensing tiers, from micro-licenses requiring less capital to standard cultivation and processing permits. The state's Cannabis Business Assistance Fund, which offers loans and grants to equity applicants, is another focus area. Many qualified entrepreneurs don't know the fund exists or how to apply.
CCPER has scheduled multiple sessions throughout 2025, with topics ranging from product development to local zoning battles. The coalition is also working with state regulators to identify policy changes that could lower barriers to entry.
What's Next
Maryland regulators are reviewing the equity program's effectiveness as the market matures. Some lawmakers have proposed expanding the assistance fund and creating mentorship requirements for large operators as license renewal conditions.
The forum series represents a grassroots response to structural challenges that equity programs alone haven't solved. Whether education and networking can overcome capital access problems remains an open question, but CCPER organizers say the alternative—doing nothing—guarantees the same inequitable outcomes.
Additional forum dates and registration information are available through CCPER's website and community partners across Baltimore and surrounding counties.
This article is based on original reporting by www.afro.com.
