MD SB994

Requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture to establish a hemp manufacturing license allowing licensees to receive, extract, process, possess, store, transport, and sell hemp and hemp-derived products

Defines key terms including "in-process hemp extract" (intermediate materials during manufacturing), "full-spectrum hemp oil," and "total THC" (THCA × 0.877 + delta-9 THC)

Mandates chain of custody documentation from receipt through final sale or destruction, with finished hemp products requiring independent laboratory testing and a certificate of analysis for each batch

Prohibits commingling of hemp and cannabis manufacturing operations, and requires hemp products exceeding retail THC limits to be distributed only through licensed cannabis dispensaries

Provides an affirmative defense against cannabis possession/transport charges for licensed hemp or in-process hemp extract, with field verification protocols that limit seizure to exigent circumstances; effective July 1, 2026, with regulations due by October 1, 2026