The Maryland pre-roll market is on the upswing and is forecasted to hit $148.2M by 2028, according to a new market report. While overall state sales grew by 4%, the pre-roll category outpaced that, jumping by 14% over the same period.
“From our data, we see that Maryland has a forecasted growth rate of 10.5% annually until 2028, where Maryland’s pre-roll market is projected to reach $148.2M,” says RollPros’ founder and CEO Kyle Loucks. “Anecdotally, there are indicators like the expansion of product variety and sales in Maryland that track with other, more mature markets. And not to mention hearing it word-of-mouth from clients and producers currently operating in the state. We’re in the midst of a strong growth phase.”
Maryland Pre-Roll Market by the Numbers
According to RollPros’ Maryland Pre-Roll Market Report, from May through July 2024, standard pre-roll sales reached $28.19M, decreasing 5.16% from February through April, 2024. Infused pre-roll sales hit $3.23M, but increased 5.16% during the same time frame.
With 50 different brands being sold in the state, there is quite a bit of variety for consumers to choose from. RollPros has been keeping track of pre-roll markets in a variety of different states, and Loucks discusses some of the differences and similarities between Maryland and other states the company has covered.
“Since recreational sales in Maryland began mid-2023, we saw the typical differences between it and more mature markets like California, Colorado and Oregon,” Loucks says. “For example, a huge difference in category share split between fewer dominant brands and regulatory hurdles affecting overall product supply.”
Loucks also notes that the Maryland report was unique among other emerging markets like New Jersey and Missouri. “Particularly in the interview portion, we heard about the importance of producers considering demographics within the pre-roll market,” he says.
“The relatively wider gap between wealthier and poorer consumers in Maryland has an impact on decision-making, and open questions regarding ideal price and desirable product have only been complicated by the presence of out-of-state demand,” he continues. “Our takeaway is that Maryland is a good example of how deep (and widespread) the total addressable market for pre-rolls truly is.”
Top Pre-Roll Brands
The Maryland market report notes the top five brands that are raking in the highest revenue: Dogwalkers, Sunmed Growers, Curio Wellness, District Cannabis and Fade Company, respectively.
Dogwalkers is straight-up winning Maryland’s pre-roll game. Founded by Ben Kovler and some inspiration he had strolling with his four-legged friend, Dogwalkers created a brand that people actually want to get behind, the report states. They partner with five rescue organizations across the states, so every purchase supports an animal in need.
“Dogwalkers stands out probably because they’ve got a formula that clicks with Maryland’s market,” notes Loucks. “First off, their focus on quality is obvious, and they take the time to make it clear they don’t cut corners with shake. In a market like Maryland’s, which is still in the early stages of figuring out consumer preferences, that kind of consistency matters. Consumers are willing to pay a bit more if they think they’re getting a good product.”
The Future of Pre-Rolls in Maryland
While the overall marijuana category in Maryland is steadily growing, pre-rolls are only grabbing 10% of the market, which is one of the lowest percentages that RollPros has seen. Compared to more mature markets such as California or Michigan, Maryland looks microscopic, but its consumers are signaling interest that they may be more adventurous with a solid 5.16% growth rate, according to the report.
The Maryland pre-roll market is on an upward trajectory, with a strong 13.6% growth rate in the last quarter, the report states.. Even though the state is still a relatively new market, it’s poised for future growth.
