Responsible Vendor Training (RVT)
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Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) programs support licensee compliance and enhance the
safety of Maryland medical cannabis patients, adult-use consumers, and industry employees. All cannabis business agents (Growers, Processors, Dispensaries) are required to complete an MCA-approved training course prior to January 1st each year. More information about RVT standards is available in the Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) Application Guidance and under COMAR 14.17.15.05(E)(2)—Cannabis Business Agents.
Click here to read the New Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) Tracks Now Available for Grower and Processor Agents notice.
List of approved Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) providers:
The MCA has approved the following Responsible Vendor Training providers. Only the training
providers listed below have been approved by the MCA to administer Responsible Vendor Training. Please email [email protected] to report a business or individual claiming to have MCA approval that is not on this list.
Note: Approvals are listed in alphabetical order and are not indicative of any ranking. MCA is reviewing additional RVT programs. This list will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Who is eligible to provide Responsible Vendor Training?
Business entities, cannabis education professionals, and other qualified professionals who meet minimum qualifications may apply (see Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) Application
Guidance
, Owners and Key Personnel). An owner or employee of an entity providing a RVT is not permitted to have employment by or interest in a Maryland cannabis licensee or registrant. Please note, approved Responsible Vendor Training providers may elect to add additional, value-added, material outside of the scope of what MCA requires in COMAR 14.17.15.05(E)(2).
How do I apply as a Responsible Vendor Training provider?
Business entities and cannabis education professionals who wish to be considered as an MCA-a
pproved RVT provider may apply through the online application here: RVT Application form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Please ensure all training materials (including audio, graphic and design features) are final before submitting an RVT application. After submission, no further changes to the materials are permitted during the review process unless they are specifically requested by the MCA.
Important: Applications may be administratively denied if:
● The RVT application and/or training materials submitted contain more than 20 substantive errors (e.g. incorrect statutory or regulatory content, irrelevant or inaccurate information, etc.);
● The course is missing a core component (e.g. final test, required module, etc.); or
● If there are Learning Management System (LMS) issues (e.g. LMS is not in final format and/or applicant makes changes mid-review without MCA request, the LMS is unavailable to MCA staff).
MCA will notify applicants via email when: 1. All submission requirements are received and 2. When the RVT application review status is updated. Please see the Application Review Timeline below.
Application Review Timeline
REVIEW STATUS
| DESCRIPTION
| TIMELINE
|
Intake
| MCA verifies submission is complete and susceptible for review; If all submission requirements have been received, the application goes in the queue for review
| 10 business days
|
Queue
| Applications in the queue are processed in the order they are received. MCA will notify applicants of their queue position. Applicants will be notified when they move to Active Review.
| Ongoing
|
Active Review
| MCA Review for training materials regulatory accuracy, Applicant Corrections period (Corrections must be made within ten (10) business days), MCA Corrections Review (Note: Up to two rounds of MCA-requested Applicant Corrections are permitted), and Determination.
Please refer to the Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) Application Guidance for more information.
| Approximately 60 to 90 business days (begins once the application is in active review)
|
Approved RVT Applications
If approved, trainings will be posted as an MCA-designated RVT on the Administration’s website. Approved RVT providers are required to stay up-to-date on developments in federal and state laws and regulations to ensure its training and testing materials are current.
RVT Administrative Denials
An administrative denial does not preclude an applicant from submitting a new RVT application later; however, applicants may not resubmit prior to 12 months from the date of the administrative denial. Application fees are required with each new application.
