Help! In Maryland, do I apply for a CDS license or a DEA license first?

[SoontoBNP]

I recently graduated and got my state NP license! Yay!

Now someone please help me figure out which license I should apply to first?

The MD CDS application says "DEA license can be pending", (which would imply you have already applied!) but on the DEA website it says "State controlled substance license MAY be required or application will be denied and application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE".

The state license is 120, and the DEA is 731. That's a lot of money for a starving new grad to throw around to figure it out. I tried calling both and got looped around a lot and did not get an answer.

Any advice?