Vending

Maryland investigates hemp vending machine over THC concerns

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July 22, 2026

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Maryland regulators are investigating a vending machine selling hemp products at a Lutherville convenience store, according to a WBAL TV report. The machine offers pre-rolls, hemp flower and edibles, including lollipops, mushroom chocolates and honey marketed for hallucinogenic effects. The Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission is testing the merchandise to determine its THC content and whether the sales are legal.

Commission Executive Director Jeffrey Kelly said some illicit hemp products contain synthetically enhanced THC at levels far exceeding those permitted in Maryland. Products containing at least 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving are subject to licensing requirements, while regulated cannabis must be produced, tested and sold through licensed businesses.

The machine accepts credit cards and requires customers to scan photo identification and undergo facial recognition. Regulators said that process does not satisfy Maryland's requirement that such transactions occur face to face. Licensed dispensary operators and some parents also raised concerns about minors gaining access and about possible contamination in products that have not undergone the state's testing process.

The commission has confiscated $3.5 million in illegal cannabis and suspected illicit hemp products from smoke shops during the past year. Violators may be fined up to $5,000. The vending-machine company denied stocking products containing THC, said it had provided samples for laboratory testing and maintained that its age-verification system prevents unauthorized purchases.

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