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About the ATCC

Our Responsibilities to the State of Maryland

The Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (Maryland ATCC) provides regulatory, licensing, trade practices, and oversight of Maryland’s alcohol and tobacco industries. While Maryland ATCC does not license or regulate the legal cannabis market, the agency works in collaboration with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) to enforce laws against the illegal (unlicensed) sale and distribution of cannabis and intoxicating THC products. Our focus is to promote public safety, foster economic growth, and enforce State laws to maintain a safe, transparent, and well-regulated marketplace for alcohol,  tobacco, and cannabis.

On May 3, 2023, the ATC evolved into the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) following the enactment of HB556, signed by the Governor. The ATCC is comprised of seven (7) individuals, five of whom are appointed for a five-year term by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The other two positions are currently vacant. The commission also includes ex-officio members from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland State Police (MSP), represented by their designees, Dana Monrief (MDH) and James E. Hock, Jr. (MSP), respectively. The ATCC is tasked with regulating and overseeing the alcohol and tobacco industries and collaborates with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) in managing the medical and retail cannabis sectors, particularly focusing on issues related to the unlicensed cannabis market.

ATCC History

Originally part of the Comptroller of Maryland, the ATCC was established in January 2021 as an independent Alcohol and Tobacco Commission with five (5) Commissioners. The Commissioners are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor of Maryland, with Senate consent. Ex-officio members include representatives from the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Police.

On May 3, 2023, the Commission was renamed with the legalization of cannabis becoming  the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC). ATCC now includes the Office of the Executive Director and divisions for Licensing and Permitting, Trade Practices, Field Enforcement, and Legal and Legislative matters.

Our Mission

The mission of the ATCC is to advance public safety, support economic growth, and reduce public harm by promoting the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products through consistent administration and enforcement of laws and regulations, as well as the strategic integration of process management, functional expertise, and the study of operations and administration of similar laws in other states and countries.

Who Does What?

Maryland’s alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis industries generate over $4 billion annually for the State’s economy. The Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) enforces laws against illegal cannabis sales, while the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) regulates the legal cannabis market. The ATCC also works with the Maryland Comptroller, which oversees tax collection for these industries. In addition to these partnerships, the ATCC collaborates with other stakeholders as needed to support its mission of ensuring public safety and compliance.

Key Agency Responsibilities for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Oversight in Maryland:

The ATCC

  • Handles licensing and permits for the alcohol and tobacco industries.
  • Promotes the responsible manufacturing, distribution, and sale of alcohol and tobacco.
  • Enforces alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations.
  • Enforces laws related to the illegal sale and distribution of cannabis and intoxicating THC products.

Comptroller of Maryland

  • Collects taxes on the sale, production, and distribution of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.
Visit the Comptroller of Maryland Website

Maryland Cannabis Administration

  • Handles licensing and permits for the medical and retail cannabis industry.
  • Certifies independent laboratories.
  • Oversees the Responsible Vendor Training Program.
Visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration Website

Meet the ATCC

The Office of The Executive Director

Jeffrey A. Kelly

Executive Director

Thomas R. Akras, Esq.

  • Director,
  • Legal and Legislative Division

Jeffrey Herndon

  • Director,
  • Field Enforcement Division

Andrew J. Waters

  • Director,
  • Regulatory and Administrative Service Division

Jessica Honeycutt

  • Executive Associate,
  • Office of Executive Director

Field Enforcement Division

Jeffrey Herndon

Director

Chris Pavon

Administrative Agent Supervisor

Mark Wright

Agent in Charge

Legal and Legislative Division

Thomas R. Akras, Esq.

Director

Jeffrey M. Hann, Esq.

Assistant Director

Isai Hernandez

Policy Analyst

Michael F. Nguyen

Communications Officer

Regulatory and Administrative Service Division

Andrew J. Waters

Director

Erin Smyth

Regulatory and Research Manager

Benton Green

Regulatory and Research Assistant Manager

Board of Commissioners

silverstein-alan

Alan Silverstein

Chairman

morrisette-eric

Eric Morrissette

Vice Chair

poole-robert

Robert Poole

Secretary

Buck-Betty2

Betty Buck

Commissioner

Maryland US state flag with big folds waving close up under the studio light indoors. The official symbols and colors in fabric banner

Dourakine Rosarion

Commissioner

Hererra-Scott-Laura

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT, M.D.

Ex Officio Member

Butler-Roland

Lt. Col. Roland L. Butler, Jr

Ex Officio Member

Contact by Email

Tips and Complaints

Report Violations or File a Complaint

Help us uphold Maryland’s alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis regulations by providing information about violations or non-compliance. Whether you’re submitting a tip about a potential violation or filing a formal complaint, your input is essential to maintaining a safe and well-regulated marketplace.
Please choose one of the following options to proceed:

Submit a Tip

Have information related to violations or non-compliance? Submit a tip to help us maintain regulatory standards.
Please include any relevant informations, such as names of businesses or individuals who may be in violation.
Would you like to be contacted by an agent?

File a Complaint

File a formal complaint related to alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis sales or distribution practices in Maryland.
Please include any relevant informations, such as names of businesses or individuals who may be in violation.
Would you like an agent contact you?

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