Cannabis laws in Maryland

Medical: Yes
Recreational: Yes
Reciprocity: No

In November 2022, Maryland became the 20th state in the USA to legalize recreational cannabis. The new program will go into effect on July 1, 2023 and adults over the age of 18 will be able to possess up to 1.5 oz of cannabis or 12 grams of concentrate, and grow two plants at home.

Medical marijuana has been legal in Maryland since 2014. The law allows patients to have up to a 30-day supply of marijuana and it does not allow the cultivation of marijuana for personal use.

Potential penalties

Despite Maryland voters legalizing the plant via ballot initiative, there are still potential penalties you can face for carrying too much weed.

Firstly, possession laws don’t go into effect until July 1, 2023, so until that time it is technically still illegal (a civil offense) to carry less than 10g of the plant. Once the law does go into effect, adults can possess

1.5 oz of plant matter
12 grams of concentrates
2 plants at home

However, even after July 1, 2023 possessing more than 1.5 ounces of the plant means you can face civil fines of $250 while having more than 2.5 ounces will still be a criminal charge.

How to get a medical card in Maryland

To receive medical marijuana in Maryland, an applicant must apply online with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

Prospective patients and/or their caregivers must submit their personal details in their online application and once they have submitted it and received approval, they will be given a MMCC Patient ID number, which their physician will lose in order to submit the written certification on their behalf.

If the patient would like a physical medical marijuana license, the cost is $50.

Qualifying Conditions

A patient can receive a recommendation for medical marijuana for the following conditions:

Cachexia
Anorexia
Wasting syndrome
Chronic or severe pain
Severe nausea
Seizures
Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Glaucoma
Post-traumatic stress disorder

Reciprocity

Maryland does not currently allow out-of-state medical marijuana recipients to use their license in the state.

Where to buy

The state’s first medical dispensary opened in 2017. Medical patients can purchase oil, flower, concentrates, edibles, prerolls and more.

The framework for legal retail locations in Maryland has yet to be developed. We expect to know more about the timeline for dispensaries opening in 2023.

Taxes and Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Medical marijuana is exempt from taxes in Maryland.

CBD Regulations

CBD is legal in Maryland as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. You can find CBD stores throughout the state and get CBD delivered from online retailers.

Can you grow your own weed?

Not yet – but soon. Adults over 18 in Maryland can grow two plants per household, as long as they’re out of sight, starting on July 1, 2023.

Visiting Maryland- can you bring or buy cannabis products?

Beginning July 1, 2023, you can legally possess cannabis in the state of Maryland. Until then, you won’t be able to find the plant for sale legally (but you may be able to find it through the gray market.)

Crossing state borders with cannabis is federally illegal, but many of the states surrounding Maryland have also legalized the plant.