5 takeaways from Maryland’s big bill to legalize cannabis sales

One of the more prominent pieces of cannabis legislation expected this session — a bill that would set up a system for taxing, regulating and licensing the product for adult recreational use — was introduced in the House of Delegates Friday. The bill comes after more than two-thirds of state residents voted to pass a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana use and possession in November. Medical cannabis distributors will be able to pay a fee — determined by the company’s revenue — to convert their license to a recreational one. Priority will be given to those who qualify for equity licenses. These applicants must have gone to school in or lived in — for at least five of the last ten years — areas disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.