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Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration

EXEC IX

Recruitment #24-009609-0002

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Introduction

The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) is the agency responsible for regulating the cultivation, manufacture, testing, and distribution of medical and adult-use cannabis in Maryland.

The major responsibilities of the MCA include:

Licensing – license and register cannabis businesses, agents, patients, and caregivers. 
Compliance – conduct routine announced and unannounced inspections of licensed and registered businesses to ensure compliance with safety and security requirements. 
Education and Outreach – develop educational resources to help inform applicants, licensees, patients, consumers, policymakers, and partners across the state on cannabis laws and regulations and safe and responsible cannabis use. 
Policy and Research – adopt regulations that govern all industry activities, including establishing health, safety, and security standards for the cultivation, manufacture, testing, and distribution of cannabis. 

The MCA has several offices, including Budget and Procurement, Communications and Outreach, Compliance and Regulation, Human Resources, Information Technology, Laboratory Services, Policy and Government Affairs, Patient and Consumer Services, Public Health, Data, and Education, and Resource, Enterprise, and Diversity Investment. Each office provides critical support to the agency and helps facilitate a safe, equitable, and accessible market that benefits all Marylanders. ​

Candidates will undergo a vetting and interview process administered by the Governor’s Appointments Office. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, a resume, a statement of capabilities, and references to:

Tisha Edwards 
Secretary of Appointments 
Office of the Governor 
appointments.secretary@maryland.gov

GRADE

EPP 0006 

LOCATION OF POSITION

Linthicum, MD

POSITION DUTIES

The Director serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) and oversees the State’s growing medical and adult-use cannabis industry. The Director is appointed by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Governor. This position will require Senate confirmation during the 2025 Legislative Session. The Director serves in a pivotal leadership role in furthering the mission of the MCA to foster a safe, equitable, and accessible medical and adult-use cannabis industry in Maryland.

This Director plans, directs, and administers all activities for the MCA, including managing the agency budget and a staff of more than 100 employees. The position also serves as a principal adviser to the Office of the Governor, other state agencies, and federal, State, and local partners on cannabis- and industry-related matters. The Director oversees all legislative and regulatory efforts for the MCA and represents the MCA before federal, State, and local officials, legislative committees and other executive agencies concerning agency and industry activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Cannabis Reform Act requires that the Director have the training and experience, including knowledge of the State cannabis industry and regulatory system, that is needed to direct the work of the Administration.

  • 10+ years of experience – 5-7 years of senior level management experience – preferably in a government setting in economic development, cannabis, drug policy, social equity, or justice system reform.  
  • Experience in financial, strategic, and project management.  
  • Demonstrated understanding of public sector administration.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience or familiarity with Maryland State government. 
  • Understanding of the Maryland cannabis industry, as well as knowledge of national industry development and trends.  
  • Experience working in or with a governmental regulatory agency.  
  • Experience managing a licensing and/or compliance operation.  
  • Demonstrated commitment to social equity in the context of economic development.  
  • Experience in organizational management including fiscal management, strategic planning, and management of executive level staff. Experience as an Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) or other head of organization/agency head title a plus.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Candidates will undergo a vetting and interview process administered by the Governor’s Appointments Office. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, a resume, a statement of capabilities, and references to:

Tisha Edwards 
Secretary of Appointments 
Office of the Governor 
appointments.secretary@maryland.gov

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735- 2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.



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