Cannabis - Management Service Agreements, Advertising, and Penalties - Alterations (Cannabis Reform and Opportunity Act)

HB 1519, the "Cannabis Reform and Opportunity Act," revises Maryland's cannabis regulations to streamline business operations. It clarifies that "control" of a cannabis business excludes certain management service agreements (capped at 25% of gross revenue or 50% of gross profit annually), franchise relationships, and purchase options. The bill removes restrictions on acquiring ownership interests in multiple cannabis businesses and requires management agreements to be reviewed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration. It also modifies advertising rules to permit outdoor ads near business premises (but not within specific distances of schools) and increases fines for unlicensed cannabis sales. These changes primarily affect licensed cannabis businesses, investors, and advertisers operating under Maryland's cannabis program.