While the cannabis industry has been growing in the United States, Maryland has made great strides regarding the regulation of recreational and medical use. Over the past ten years, they’ve shifted towards legalization and decriminalization, with a vote in 2023 that actually legalized marijuana consumption for recreational purposes. This was after a referendum in 2022 where almost two thirds of the state’s voters approved of it.
Today we’re going to be explaining what their current legal landscape looks like in Maryland for cannabis and diving into the details of who can use, possess, and buy cannabis
Maryland, like many other states in the United States, formerly had some relatively strict laws regarding cannabis consumption. This included harsh penalties for possession, consumption, and distribution.
However, in 2014, there was a widespread shift in the general population towards decriminalization. This is where trends began to develop regarding making it less stigmatized, and improving quality of life for those in the industry.
This goes side-by-side with the approval of medical marijuana in 2013, which introduced a new organization called the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, as well as instituting an official medical cannabis program for the state.
Eventually, in 2022, there was a referendum regarding recreational use which eventually was passed. It then became legal in 2022 for individuals to consume cannabis for recreational purposes.
As of July 1, 2023 it became officially legal to use cannabis recreationally for adults over the age of 21. This was after the 2022 referendum. Adults that meet the age requirements are completely protected under the law to possess and use cannabis, which highlights Maryland as one of the latest states in the country to make this change.
According to the law, adults over 21 can purchase up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis or 12 grams of concentrated cannabis products.
These products tend to include things like oils and waxes.
If you’re caught with more than the 1.5-ounce limit, you could face fines or penalties.
There are also limits on where you’re able to use cannabis, including a few unique stipulations about your location. Cannabis must be consumed in a private space, yet it actually can’t be used in any vehicle. So whether you’re a driver or passenger, it doesn’t matter according to the law.
If you own a property, you are also legally allowed to ban cannabis on your property, which sometimes makes landlords particular about consumption on their property.
From a medical standpoint, there are certain stipulations regarding what is considered medicinal use. Maryland’s law explains that their medical marijuana program was created for those who have chronic pain, anxiety, and some other conditions that qualify. In order to get qualified, a patient needs to receive a recommendation by a registered physician.
After that, they’re able to apply and receive a medical marijuana card, which lets them purchase marijuana from a licensed dispensary. It’s important to include the recommendation from your doctor when filling out the application online.
There are also limits to be aware of, including limitations on how much patients can purchase. According to the law, if you’re a medical cannabis patient, you’re permitted to purchase up to a month’s supply of cannabis products, but the specific amount is up to the doctor’s recommendation.
When looking at cultivation and possession, there are certain unique limits on this. As mentioned, if you’re over the age of 21, you can have up to 1.5oz of marijuana or 12 grams of concentrates for recreation.
If you have anything between 1.5oz and 2.5oz, you’ll be set back a civil fine. If you have an amount more than 2.5oz, it could lead to potential criminal charges.
Ultimately, while some of the unique legal ramifications for buying, selling, and using cannabis in the state of Maryland, there’s no need to get overwhelmed.
The main goal is to figure out what specific part of the industry you’re in (recreational vs. medicinal) and ensure you’re within legal compliance.
Maryland mainly uses their legal resources on excessive possession/unauthorized cultivation, but the state is generally more hospitable towards the cannabis industry than some others. Remember to be compliant with the law, precautious, and cooperative with legal entities you might have to deal with. It’s always better to stay on the side of caution than do something that is not compliant with the law.
Check out the Toke Blog for more news on cannabis laws.
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