Tabatha Robinson, a prominent figure in New York’s cannabis regulation landscape, is stepping into a new challenge as the director of Maryland’s Cannabis Administration. Her departure signals a significant shift for New York’s burgeoning marijuana industry while Maryland looks to leverage her expertise in its own cannabis sector.
Tabatha Robinson Takes on Maryland Leadership Role
Robinson, who has served as New York’s acting chief equity officer, will begin her new role in Maryland on February 19. She was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to lead the state’s efforts to diversify and regulate its $1 billion cannabis market.
Her predecessor, Will Tilburg, had announced his exit last summer, and Robinson’s appointment marks a key moment in Maryland’s attempt to address social equity challenges in cannabis licensing and operations.
In a statement, Robinson lauded Maryland’s cannabis industry as “a national model” and expressed her commitment to advancing its successes.
Maryland’s Cannabis Market: A Different Landscape
Robinson is stepping into a markedly different regulatory environment than New York’s. While New York’s adult-use cannabis sales prioritized social equity applicants and allowed for an unlimited number of licenses, Maryland’s market is capped and has been dominated by established medical marijuana operators.
Maryland transitioned to adult-use sales in July 2023 by expanding licenses to existing medical dispensaries. These dispensaries, largely run by multistate operators (MSOs) like Curaleaf Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, and Trulieve Cannabis Corp., had a substantial head start in the recreational market.
In 2024, Maryland issued 205 social equity permits, with 75% going to minority-owned businesses. However, the operational status of these new permits remains unclear, raising questions about how Maryland’s efforts to diversify the market will take shape under Robinson’s leadership.
Key Challenges for Maryland’s Equity Efforts
- License Caps: Unlike New York, Maryland has a limit on cannabis business licenses, creating competition and barriers for smaller, equity-focused operators.
- Dominance of MSOs: The early entry and financial muscle of MSOs have set a high bar for new equity applicants trying to enter the market.
- Operational Delays: Many of the social equity permits issued in 2024 have yet to result in open businesses, highlighting logistical and regulatory hurdles.
Mixed Reactions in New York
Robinson’s departure has sparked concern among New York’s cannabis advocates, who view her leadership as a critical component of the state’s equity-driven approach. The New York Small Farmers Alliance expressed their disappointment, describing her exit as a “huge loss” for the state’s social and economic equity efforts.
New York’s adult-use cannabis market, which generated $1 billion in sales in 2024, had granted early access to social equity retailers. Advocates worry that Robinson’s absence could hinder the continuation of these progressive policies.
Maryland’s Billion-Dollar Market: High Hopes, High Stakes
Maryland’s cannabis industry brought in over $1.1 billion in its first year of adult-use sales. This impressive performance underscores the potential for growth but also highlights the disparities between the state’s established operators and its emerging social equity participants.
Robinson’s extensive background as a corporate lawyer and Harvard graduate equips her with the tools to navigate Maryland’s regulatory complexities. Her focus will likely be on ensuring that minority-owned businesses gain a stronger foothold in the state’s cannabis market.
What Lies Ahead for Robinson and Maryland
Robinson’s leadership will be closely watched as she tackles the following:
- Bridging the Gap: Creating pathways for social equity permit holders to become operational and competitive.
- Balancing Interests: Addressing the dominance of large MSOs while fostering growth among smaller, equity-driven businesses.
- Building Consensus: Working with stakeholders to refine Maryland’s cannabis policies for inclusivity and long-term sustainability.
Maryland’s decision to bring Robinson on board reflects its commitment to equity in the cannabis sector. Whether her strategies will succeed in leveling the playing field remains to be seen.