Maryland voted for adult-use cannabis, and legislation has been introduced to create the applicable regulations. The legislators who drafted House Bill 556 and Senate Bill 516 have done an excellent job; the bills contemplate combining the current medical cannabis program and the adult use one under one regulatory agency. As the amendment process is underway, I ask them to consider two points.

Black entrepreneurs in Baltimore have demonstrated both business resilience and a steadfast dedication to social change as they’ve launched and managed their businesses during one of the most tumultuous economies in recent memory. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 Black business owners say they are committed to driving social change through their businesses, according to research from Bank of America.