Exclusive: Why Maryland’s Top Cannabis Regulator Says the Market Is ‘In a Very Strong Place’

Strong executive support, thoughtful regulatory planning, and a clear vision for growth have put Maryland’s cannabis market on a promising trajectory. That was the message from Maryland Cannabis Administration director Tabatha Robinson during a fireside chat with Gemini Twin Consulting founder Leah Heise at IgniteIt’s Capital & Policy Summit. Robinson outlined the state’s early successes as well as the policy refinements still needed to propel the industry forward.

The conversation began with an assessment of the current state of Maryland’s regulated cannabis market. Robinson expressed confidence in both its present condition and its long-term outlook.
“Maryland’s cannabis industry is in a very strong place,” said Robinson. “There are opportunities for growth, and we are looking to exploit those as an agency.”

Before joining the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Robinson served as executive deputy director of economic development and acting chief equity officer at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. When Heise asked her to compare the two agencies, Robinson noted that while the markets differ significantly, Maryland’s industry and regulators were better positioned for the transition to legalized recreational cannabis.

“One thing that Maryland has done extremely well is its transition from medical to adult use,” said Robinson. “What that meant was that there was not a lag in any part of the supply chain when adult use sales kicked off in July of 2023. Maryland already had growers, processors and dispensaries ready to handle that new demand.”

She added that this smooth rollout was made possible by support “coming from the top.”
“Maryland’s governor is extremely supportive of the cannabis industry, and that is rare. In New York, we did not have that executive support,” said Robinson. “It really makes a difference in the macro, in terms of what, as an agency, you are allowed to do, how you’re allowed to design the industry.”

Challenges and Opportunities for Maryland’s Cannabis Market

When asked what factors were limiting industry growth, Robinson said independent operators often struggle to raise the capital needed to launch their businesses — a familiar challenge across the cannabis sector. She also pointed out that some licensees have difficulty securing suitable properties due to restrictive zoning regulations in certain conservative counties.

“We’re in a position to try and bring those county partners along,” Robinson said. “So we’re meeting with counties, and we’re saying, ‘Hey, I know you might be sleeping on cannabis, but look at how many jobs we can bring. Look at what revitalization looks like. Look at the old buildings that our businesses take, they refurbish, and they bring life to communities that have been really disenfranchised and underdeveloped.’”

Heise then asked which regulatory improvements offered the greatest opportunity for the Maryland Cannabis Administration.
“Thinking about where Maryland has come from and where it needs to go next, we need to focus on streamlining operations through regulations,” Robinson said. “So the kind of issues that we see now are really, how can we make sure that our businesses are more efficient, but also, as regulators, how can we make sure that we are more efficient in our regulation of those businesses? So we’re looking to streamline our efforts. We’re looking to work with licensees to identify those pain points.”

Among those challenges, Robinson said the “pain point that we hear the most about is advertising.”
“Maryland’s advertising statute is quite prohibitive currently,” she continued. “Prior to the onset of adult use, it was much more allowable, but now we’ve seen a shift, and so we as an agency are working with industry to try to review and reevaluate what advertising could look like so that our businesses can better market to their customers.”

A Look Ahead

To close the discussion, Heise asked Robinson what message she wanted to deliver to operators and how she viewed the future of Maryland’s cannabis industry.

“Frankly, it’s patience. Government moves slowly, even when we’re moving quickly,” Robinson said. She added, “There are changes coming in the industry, in the agency, and we encourage the industry to remain partners with us, to share feedback with us, to give us the space and the time to make their dream come true as well.”

Robinson ended with her vision for what a thriving Maryland cannabis market could look like five years from now.
“Success looks like getting as many conditional licensees up and running as possible. We believe that is just one of the ways to grow the market,” she said. “Success looks like market growth, right? It looks like more customers online, supporting our regulated, licensed businesses.”

Join Us at Our Upcoming Events

As federal cannabis policy enters a pivotal stretch, IgniteIt will continue convening the operators, investors, regulators, and policymakers shaping the future of the industry. We invite you to join us at our upcoming national and regional events:

New Jersey Policy & Capital Forum

February 10, 2026 — Jersey City, NJ

Missouri Policy Roundtable

April 2026 — Kansas City, MO

Chicago Cannabis Capital Conference ‘26

June 14–16, 2026 — Chicago, IL

Industry leaders, policymakers, and investors will reconvene for three days of capital-market insights, policy briefings, and strategic networking. For agenda details, registration, and scholarship information for minority- and women-owned businesses, visit https://events.igniteit.com/