The Maryland Office of Social Equity is hosting a series of Technical Assistance Open Houses to foster collaboration and gather feedback from social equity licensees in the state’s evolving cannabis market. Scheduled for April 16 and April 30, these sessions aim to create “essential feedback loops” between the OSE and licensees, according to Executive Director Audrey Johnson.

Johnson emphasized that these open houses are “a form of advocacy in action,” allowing the Office to “listen, learn and adjust” its programs to better meet the needs of social equity entrepreneurs. The sessions will provide a platform for licensees to connect with one another, share both successes and challenges and gain access to information about upcoming programs and funding opportunities.

Participation in the open houses is exclusively for Maryland social equity licensees. “These sessions help us listen, learn and adjust, ensuring our programs reflect the real needs of social equity entrepreneurs navigating Maryland’s evolving cannabis market. They underscore our commitment to responsive, adaptive support and elevating voices that have historically been excluded,” Johnson said.