One Partner for All Your Cannabis IT & Security Services Needs

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Maryland Cannabis Technology & Security Solutions

Technical services to help you license, launch, and grow your Maryland medical or recreational dispensary, processor, cultivation, or distribution firm.

For New Maryland Cannabis Businesses

Application Writing

Give Yourself the Best Chance at a License
Maryland cannabis application writing for standard and microbusiness licenses. We can help with technology planning, security equipment lists, floorplan overlays, and more. If you receive a license in the lottery, we can help you put together the extensive documentation you need to pass your inspection and start operating.

Consulting

Get Expert Help for Everything Technical
Including Maryland cannabis license, application, security, and technology consulting. Get all the support and advice you need from experts that have helped license, launch, and manage hundreds of facilities throughout North America.

IT & Security Hardware

Managed & Self-Service Purchasing
Cannabis IT & security hardware procurement for dispensaries and producers. Get hardware including POS system hardware, label printers, scales, tablets, POS terminals, barcode scanners, cash drawers, TVs, laptops, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and more, all at competitive prices. Avoid having to spend hours and hours on research.

Installations

Complete Facility Setups
Including point of sale system, surveillance system, and low voltage cabling installation. We get in, install the tech and security you need, and get out of your hair.

Cannabis Security Services & Solutions

Stay Secure & Compliant
All the security services you need to launch and grow your cannabis microbusiness in Maryland, including security plans, cybersecurity plans, security consulting, security floorplans, surveillance system installation, surveillance system monitoring services, and more.

Trusted Across the USA & Canada

Get Started with Cure8

Setup a meeting with us to discuss next steps.

For Existing Maryland Cannabis Operators

IT Takeovers

Plan Ahead to Sell More
If your IT infrastructure has become overwhelming to manage and control, Cure8 can assume responsibility as your IT department. Put an end to the stress and time-consuming task of troubleshooting technology issues or dealing with frequent breakdowns.

Managed Services

Be Secure Without Overdoing It
24/7 proactive monitoring, management, and support for all your IT assets, including POS systems, track-and-trace systems, surveillance systems, digital displays, and back-office IT. Our services aim to prevent outages and security breaches, ensure compliance, and provide prompt technical support whenever required.

IT Support

Without It, You Don't Have a Business
Reliable IT support tailored to the needs of your dispensary, manufacturing facility, cultivation site, distribution center, or vertical operation. Enjoy guaranteed support with response times as short as 5 minutes. Onsite technical assistance is also available.

M&A Support

Everything in Its Proper Place
Pre- and post-merger or acquisition technical support for both buyers and sellers. We assist in merging and streamlining your technical assets, ensuring a cohesive and unified infrastructure.

HIPAA Compliance Audit

Keep Your Networks Clean
All medical cannabis organizations handling patient data must comply with HIPAA regulations. Our experts in HIPAA compliance will evaluate your cyber and physical security measures to ensure full compliance, helping you avoid fines and penalties.

Our Clients Love Us

“Your company and service…I deem essential. I look forward to working on the next stores with you. Thanks for all your help.”

Rhonda Reid

Owner

The Nug Co

“From the start Munir & Shankar were awesome, they were totally on top of communication, had an answer for everything I asked, and knew exactly what my shop needed. As for Greg, great communication, and he did a super clean job wiring up the rack (not to mention all of the other hardware). These three made the whole process smooth and stress free. Congratulations on having such a killer team!”

Jason Robicheau

Owner

Grateful Mind

“As the owner of one of the largest and busiest stores in Canada, I don’t have time for tech outages. Cure8 keeps me up and running so I never miss a sale, and helps ensure every customer walks away from my store happy.”

Colin Campbell

Store Owner

Tokyo Smoke

More Info

We can provide services to any city in Maryland, including:

  • Baltimore
  • Columbia
  • Germantown
  • Silver Spring
  • Waldorf
  • Glen Burnie
  • Frederick
  • Rockville
  • Gaithersburg
  • Bowie
  • Hagerstown
  • Annapolis
  • Salisbury
  • College Park
  • Laurel
  • Greenbelt
  • Cumberland
  • Westminster
  • Hyattsville
  • Takoma Park

Legal cannabis in Maryland has a relatively recent history. In 2013, the state took its first step toward legalization by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This meant that individuals caught with less than 10 grams of cannabis would face civil penalties rather than criminal charges.

In 2014, Maryland established a medical cannabis program, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana. The program faced numerous delays and challenges, but dispensaries finally began opening their doors to patients in 2017.

The following year, in 2018, Maryland took another significant step by legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. However, the law only permitted possession and home cultivation of limited amounts for personal use, while the sale and commercial production of cannabis remained illegal.

To address the issue of a regulated market, Maryland began the process of awarding licenses for medical cannabis growers, processors, and dispensaries. The application and licensing process faced scrutiny and controversy, with accusations of favoritism and lack of diversity in the industry.

The legal cannabis market in Maryland has been steadily growing and evolving. Here is an overview of the current state of the market:

Number of Licenses: Maryland has a limited number of licenses available for different aspects of the cannabis industry, including cultivation, processing, and dispensing. The state has established a tiered licensing system with different tiers determining the scale of operations. The exact number of licenses may vary, but currently there are dozens of licensed cannabis companies operating across the state.

Number of Dispensaries: Maryland has seen a significant increase in the number of dispensaries since the launch of its medical cannabis program. While the exact number may have changed, currently there are over 100 licensed dispensaries throughout the state. These dispensaries provide access to medical cannabis products for registered patients.

Total Revenue: The total revenue generated by the legal cannabis market in Maryland has been growing steadily. However, specific revenue figures for the entire market may vary and are subject to change. The revenue is primarily derived from sales of medical cannabis products to registered patients.

Registered Patients: Maryland has established a medical cannabis program that allows patients with qualifying conditions to register and access medical marijuana. The number of registered patients has been increasing over time. However, the exact figure can change and would need to be verified with the latest data. Registered patients can visit licensed dispensaries to obtain their medical cannabis products.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is advisable to consult official sources such as the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) or other relevant regulatory bodies.

Some of the largest cannabis companies operating in Maryland include:

  1. Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.:

    • Locations: Curaleaf has multiple dispensary locations across Maryland, including Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Reisterstown, among others.
    • Website: https://www.curaleaf.com/
  2. Green Thumb Industries (GTI):

    • Locations: GTI operates Rise dispensaries in multiple Maryland locations, such as Bethesda, Joppa, Silver Spring, and Rockville, among others.
    • Website: https://www.gtigrows.com/
  3. Chesapeake Integrated Health Institute:

    • Locations: Chesapeake Integrated Health Institute operates a dispensary in Takoma Park, Maryland.
    • Website: https://www.cihi.md/
  4. Holistic Industries:

  5. Curio Wellness:

 

The security requirements for cannabis businesses in Maryland are governed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) regulations. While these requirements can evolve over time, here are some common security measures typically mandated for cannabis businesses in Maryland:

  1. Surveillance Systems: Cannabis businesses are required to have comprehensive video surveillance systems in place. This includes the installation of high-resolution cameras that cover all areas where cannabis is cultivated, processed, stored, or dispensed. The cameras must provide clear and continuous footage, and the recordings must be retained for a specified period.

  2. Alarm Systems: Adequate alarm systems with intrusion detection capabilities are typically mandated. These systems should cover all points of entry and exit, including doors, windows, and other access points. The alarm systems must be monitored and capable of alerting law enforcement or a security service provider when triggered.

  3. Access Control: Strict access control measures are necessary to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter restricted areas. This may involve the use of key cards, biometric systems, or other secure entry methods. Access control should be implemented for cultivation areas, storage rooms, and other sensitive locations.

  4. Storage Security: Cannabis businesses must have secure storage areas to protect products and prevent unauthorized access. This can involve locked cabinets, safes, or vaults that meet specific standards outlined by the MMCC.

  5. Recordkeeping: Robust recordkeeping practices are essential for compliance and security. Cannabis businesses must maintain detailed records of inventory, sales, transportation, and any other relevant activities. These records should be accurate, organized, and readily accessible for inspection.

  6. Security Plans: Businesses are required to develop comprehensive security plans that outline all security measures in place. These plans should cover surveillance, alarm systems, access control, personnel security, transportation security, and more. Security plans must be submitted to the MMCC for approval.

The surveillance system requirements for cannabis businesses in Maryland typically include the following:

  1. Camera Coverage: Cannabis businesses are required to have video surveillance cameras installed in all areas where cannabis is cultivated, processed, stored, or dispensed. This includes grow rooms, processing areas, storage rooms, point of sale (POS) areas, and entrances/exits. All areas where cannabis activities take place should be covered adequately.

  2. Camera Placement: Cameras must be strategically positioned to provide clear and continuous coverage of the designated areas. They should be placed at appropriate angles and heights to capture critical details, such as faces, activities, and identification of individuals.

  3. Camera Resolution: The MMCC regulations specify that cameras must have a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). However, it is advisable to use higher-resolution cameras, such as 1080p (Full HD) or 4K (Ultra HD), to ensure better image quality and clarity.

  4. Recording Duration: Surveillance footage must be retained for a minimum of 90 days. However, it is recommended to retain footage for a longer period, as per business needs or any specific local regulations.

  5. Storage and Backup: Cannabis businesses must store surveillance recordings on secure and reliable media, such as Network Video Recorders (NVRs) or cloud-based storage systems. It is crucial to have backup systems in place to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or other incidents.

  6. Camera Functionality: The cameras used should have functions such as infrared (IR) night vision for low-light conditions, motion detection, and the ability to capture clear images even in challenging environments.

  7. Camera Maintenance: Regular maintenance and testing of the surveillance cameras are necessary to ensure they are functioning properly. Any malfunctioning cameras should be promptly repaired or replaced.

To obtain a cannabis license in Maryland, you need to follow a series of steps and meet the requirements set by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Here is a general overview of the process:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with the Regulations: Review the regulations and guidelines outlined by the MMCC to understand the requirements and obligations for obtaining a cannabis license in Maryland. This includes understanding the different license types available, associated fees, and compliance standards.

  2. Determine License Type: Decide on the type of license you want to apply for, such as cultivation, processing, or dispensing. Each license type has specific criteria and application processes. Consider factors such as your business plan, resources, and expertise in the chosen sector.

  3. Create a Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes details about your proposed cannabis operation. This should cover aspects such as location, operations, staffing, security measures, financial projections, and compliance strategies. Ensure your plan aligns with the MMCC’s regulations and guidelines.

  4. Secure Financing: Establish the necessary funding to support your cannabis business. This may involve securing investment or arranging financing to cover startup costs, operational expenses, and licensing fees.

  5. Apply for a License: Submit your license application to the MMCC during the designated application period. The application process typically involves providing detailed information about your business, financial records, security plans, employee background checks, and other relevant documentation. Be prepared to pay the required application fees.

  6. Background Checks and Investigations: As part of the application process, individuals associated with the business will undergo background checks and investigations to ensure suitability for operating a cannabis business in Maryland.

  7. Application Review and Approval: The MMCC reviews and evaluates license applications based on various criteria, including compliance with regulations, security measures, financial stability, and qualifications. The review process can take several months, during which the MMCC may request additional information or clarification.

  8. Compliance Inspections: If your application is approved, the MMCC will conduct inspections of your proposed cannabis facility to ensure compliance with security, safety, and operational requirements. You must pass these inspections to receive your license.

  9. License Issuance: Once you have successfully completed the application review and passed the compliance inspections, the MMCC will issue your cannabis license. The license will specify the type of activity you are authorized to conduct and any specific conditions or limitations.

The cost to open a dispensary in Maryland can vary significantly depending on various factors, including location, size, operational scale, and specific requirements. It’s essential to note that the information provided is based on my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, and costs may have changed since then. Here are some of the common expenses to consider when estimating the cost of opening a dispensary in Maryland:

  1. Application Fees: The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) charges non-refundable application fees for different license types. As of 2021, these fees ranged from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the license category.

  2. Licensing Fees: If your application is approved, you will need to pay licensing fees to the MMCC. The exact amount varies depending on the license type and may range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

  3. Real Estate and Lease Costs: Rent or purchase costs for suitable commercial space can vary based on location and property size. Dispensaries require compliant and secure facilities, which may involve additional build-out expenses to meet regulatory requirements.

  4. Renovations and Build-Out: Depending on the condition of the chosen property, you may need to invest in renovations and build-out to create a compliant and customer-friendly dispensary space. This can include interior modifications, security system installation, and aesthetic improvements.

  5. Security Measures: Maryland has specific security requirements for dispensaries, which may involve costs associated with surveillance systems, alarm systems, access control, and other security measures.

  6. Inventory and Product Procurement: Establishing an initial inventory of cannabis products can be a significant expense. This includes sourcing high-quality products from licensed cultivators or processors.

  7. Staffing and Training: Budget for hiring and training qualified staff to operate the dispensary, including budtenders, security personnel, and administrative staff. Employee salaries, benefits, and training expenses should be considered.

  8. Compliance and Legal Support: Engaging legal and compliance professionals to ensure adherence to Maryland’s cannabis regulations and ongoing compliance can be a valuable investment to avoid penalties and ensure operational success.

  9. Marketing and Advertising: Allocate funds for marketing and advertising efforts to promote your dispensary and attract customers. This can include online and offline marketing strategies, branding, website development, and advertising campaigns.

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