Our office provides comprehensive support to Social Equity Licensees and the Cannabis business community through a number of programs including the Technical Assistance Program, the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Survey and Reporting, the Social Equity Partnership Grant Program, and the Social Equity Investor Portal (Coming Soon).
Programs
Social Equity Partnership Grant Program:
The Social Equity Partnership Grant Program is a first of its kind initiative developed by the Maryland Office of Social Equity to support equitable participation in the state’s adult-use cannabis industry. Backed by a historic commitment of state resources, SEPP is designed to foster meaningful partnerships between social equity licensees and experienced industry operators, directly addressing barriers to entry and long-term sustainabilit.
Through a tailored, mentorship-based model, the program promotes collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and operational support — ensuring that social equity licensees receive the tools they need to succeed.
Funding & Grant Structure
SEPP will provide up to $5 million in grant funding to support cannabis licensees:
- Micro Licenses: Up to 10 grants of $100,000 each (totaling $1 million)
- Standard Licenses: Up to 20 grants of $200,000 each (totaling $4 million)
**Additionally, no single grant may exceed the lesser of the conversion fee already paid by the licensee at the time of the SEPP application, or $200,000 for the 2025-2026 grant award period per qualifying partnership. Grant awards will be distributed across license types, with anticipated allocations as follows:
Micro Licenses
- 4 Growers
- 4 Processors
- 2 Dispensaries
Standard Licenses
- 8 Growers
- 7 Processors
- 5 Dispensaries
Note: Allocations are subject to change based on applicant needs.
For more information:
Public Guidance
Application Instructions
Technical Assistance Program
The Office of Social Equity, in partnership with the Maryland Cannabis Administration and Department of Commerce, offers Technical Assistance Grants to support social equity licensees. Each eligible licensee can receive $14,000 in grant funding to access essential cannabis business training and professional services required for launching and operating their licensed cannabis business in Maryland.
Grant recipients can utilize these funds for various approved services, including seed-to-sale education, cultivation and processing training, regulatory compliance support, financial management, legal services, and real estate guidance.
Contact: For questions about the Technical Assistance Grant Program,Email: [email protected]
Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund
Resources
At the Office of Social Equity, we believe the power of collaboration enhances our commitment to the community by having a diverse set of government agencies and resources easily accessible for those looking to enter the market.
We work very closely with various local government agencies to effectively streamline the licensees process, share vital resources, and work together to create innovative solutions for the adult-use cannabis market. By leveraging the unique strengths of each agency, we are committed to a cannabis market that allows full participation to those who have been disproportionately impacted and excluded by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition.
For more information on our collaborative initiatives, please visit:
