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MarylandSB 05942026 Regular SessionSenate

Cannabis - Advertising - Alterations

Sponsored By: Pamela Beidle (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

CannabisAdvertisingAge of MajorityApplicants and ApplicationsAwareness and OutreachCannabis Administration, MarylandCannabis DistributionCannabis -see also- CannDist; CannProd; Smok&VapCivil Rights and Social EquityCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.CopyrightData -see also- Census; DemographicsDemographics -see also- Census; DataElectronic CommunicationEthicsInternet -see also- Internet AccessLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMedical TreatmentsMinors -see also- Age of Majority; YouthMobile DevicesNews MediaPublications -see also- Maryland Register; TextbooksRadioReportsRules and RegulationsSigns and BillboardsSocial MediaSpecial EventsTelevision -see also- Cable Television

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Easier social equity ownership rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, a social equity cannabis applicant must have at least 55% ownership and control by one or more qualifying people. A qualifying person either lived in a disproportionately impacted area for 5 of the last 10 years, attended a public school there for 5 years, or attended a Maryland 4‑year college for 2 years where at least 40% of students are Pell‑eligible. The Maryland Cannabis Administration can add other qualifying rules. Meeting the 55% ownership and person rules makes the applicant eligible for social equity status.

Stricter cannabis ad rules and age checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, cannabis ads may not target people under 21. Ads on TV, radio, online, social media, print, or events may run only where at least 85% of the audience is 21 or older. Cannabis websites must use a neutral age gate before visitors see content or give contact details. Social media and app ads must say content is for 21+. Any medical claims in ads must be backed by reliable scientific evidence and include the most serious and common risks. Businesses are responsible for third‑party uses of their brand and cannot allow noncompliant ads; news and other unpaid editorial content are allowed. The Administration accepts recent audience data from ad channels and must set an event attestation process by January 1, 2027. The Administration must set enforcement procedures and report to lawmakers by January 1, 2027 (interim) and June 1, 2027 (final).

Small exterior signs allowed at dispensaries

Beginning July 1, 2026, standard dispensaries may place limited exterior signs to identify the business. Signs may show contact info, Maryland Cannabis Administration info, adverse event contacts, or an approved ownership or license designation. Each sign can be up to 900 square inches, with a total of 1,200 square inches for all exterior signs. A freestanding signboard must be immediately next to the entrance. Operational signs and signs painted before January 1, 2026, are allowed, and interior displays visible through windows are allowed if not fixed to a structure.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Pamela Beidle

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dawn Gile

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 155 • No: 60

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

Yes: 87 • No: 41 • Other: 12

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 38 • No: 8 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 30 • No: 11 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 416

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (38-8)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed with Amendments (87-41)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Floor Amendment {793429/1 (Delegate Valderrama) Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/13/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {713523/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    4/13/2026House

  10. Hearing 4/02 at 2:30 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  11. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  12. Hearing 4/02 at 1:30 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  13. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  14. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/21/2026House

  15. Referred Economic Matters

    3/21/2026House

  16. Third Reading Passed (30-11)

    3/20/2026Senate

  17. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  18. Favorable with Amendments Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  19. Motion Special Order until 3/18 (Senator Folden) Adopted

    3/17/2026Senate

  20. Committee Amendment Adopted

    3/17/2026Senate

  21. Favorable with Amendments {883426/1

    3/17/2026Senate

  22. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    3/16/2026Senate

  23. Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026Senate

  24. First Reading Finance

    2/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/5/2026

    PDF

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