The implementation of Maryland's medical marijuana program has indeed faced significant delays and controversies since its inception in 2013. While Maryland legalized medical cannabis over a decade ago, the rollout has been painfully slow, marred by bureaucratic hurdles, legal battles, and equity issues that have frustrated many, including patients, businesses, and advocates alike. The
Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) now requires all cannabis business agents—including dispensary, grower, and processor employees—to complete Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) by January 1, 2025.
This move aims to improve industry standards, safety, and compliance, ensuring that Maryland's workforce is properly trained to handle the complexities of medical cannabis. This annual training is mandated for all registered agents and aims to establish consistency across the sector. This key update in Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) involves
Maryland Responsible Vendor Training (RVT), so the key aspects of this are:
- Scope of Training: RVT covers safety protocols, regulatory compliance, customer interactions, and product handling. It’s designed to create a safer, more professional industry and includes a mandatory exam where participants need to score at least 70% to pass
- Compliance and Accountability: The training includes recordkeeping standards, and providers must maintain records for four years. This helps to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance, which has been a critical issue in Maryland’s cannabis program. Providers must also allow MCA to observe courses—either online or in-person—without notice
- Annual Requirement: All agents must complete the training annually, which not only refreshes their knowledge but also aligns with evolving regulations and standards. This requirement aligns with broader trends in the cannabis industry, where training is being standardized as a means to improve overall safety and operational quality.
