Maryland Hemp Businesses Sue Over Cannabis Licensing, Regulatory Limits

Several states are grappling with regulatory challenges surrounding hemp-derived intoxicating products, which often fall into legal gray areas between federal and state law. In Mississippi, Attorney General Lynn Fitch clarified that consumable hemp products without FDA approval are illegal under state controlled substances law, though medical cannabis dispensaries remain an exception. Maryland faces ongoing lawsuits from hemp operators challenging the state's cannabis licensing system, which requires hemp sellers to obtain marijuana licenses and imposes limits through social equity programs and license caps; these operators argue the laws artificially restrict market entry and tax revenue. The Maryland Hemp Coalition further contests selective enforcement and testing standards that target hemp-derived products legal federally but restricted at the state level. Meanwhile, Florida's highly regulated medical marijuana industry contrasts sharply with its largely unregulated market for intoxicating hemp products, prompting some licensed marijuana companies like Curaleaf to enter the hemp market to compete. These conflicts highlight the complex interplay between state regulatory frameworks and federally legalized hemp, with industry groups pushing back against licensing restrictions and enforcement efforts that they view as unfair or unconstitutional.