Cannabis - Advertising - Prohibited Locations (Equity in Cannabis Advertising Act)

HB 1377 prohibits cannabis businesses from advertising within 500 feet of substance use treatment facilities, schools, child care centers, playgrounds, recreational centers, libraries, or public parks. It replaces previous outdoor advertising restrictions with these location-based rules and requires cannabis licensees to submit ads to the Maryland Cannabis Administration for a compliance opinion. The bill also mandates age verification (via age-gates) for cannabis websites and requires social media ads to display a 21+ age notice. These changes directly affect cannabis businesses by restricting ad placement and adding compliance steps. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.