Maryland Cannabis Laws and Regulations

Maryland weed laws

Key Takeaways

  • Recreational cannabis is legal in Maryland for adults 21 and over.
  • Adults can possess up to 1.5 ounces of flower or 12 grams of concentrate.
  • Home cultivation is allowed: up to 2 plants per household for recreational users, and up to 4 for medical patients.

In 2013, Maryland legalized medical cannabis. In 2022, Maryland became the 20th state to legalize adult-use cannabis, allowing individuals over 21 to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces and grow up to two plants per household. As of 2025, the sale of both medical and adult-use cannabis is available to Maryland residents.

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Yes, cannabis is legal in Maryland for both medical and recreational use. Adults aged 21 and over may possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or products containing up to 750mg of THC. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2013, with recreational sales beginning on July 1, 2023.

Medical patients enjoy tax-free purchases, while adult-use buyers pay a 9% sales tax. Home cultivation is allowed; up to 2 plants per household for recreational users, and 4 for medical patients.

Weed Legalization in Maryland

Maryland officially legalized medical cannabis in 2013. However, the commission that governs the program wasn’t completely operational until December 2017.

Shortly after Maryland legalized medical cannabis, the Governor at the time, Martin O’Malley, decriminalized possession of 10 grams or less of cannabis. According to the 2014 law, possession of the specified amount would now be treated similarly to a basic traffic ticket. First-time offenders receive a fine of $100, and goes up to $250 for second offenses. Anything beyond that doubles the fine to $500. In 2022, Maryland voted to legalize adult-use cannabis, and sales began on July 1st, 2023.

Adults aged 18 and above with a medical cannabis card can purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. Children under 18 can become medical cannabis patients in Maryland, but only if they meet their provider’s criteria for treatment and have a parent or guardian serve as a caregiver. Adult-use cannabis is available to all individuals over the age of 21 and is available to purchase at one of the many adult-use dispensaries in the state.

Medical cannabis purchases are tax-exempt, while recreational consumers pay a 9% tax. According to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, medical patients often receive higher purchase limits and priority access at dispensaries.

Is Cannabis Delivery Available in Maryland?

YES, cannabis delivery is available in the state of Maryland for people with a licensed medical marijuana card or individuals over the age of 21.

Where Can You Legally Use Weed in Maryland?

Cannabis can be legally used in the following areas in Maryland:

🗹 Private properties such as residences

Cannabis CANNOT be consumed in:

X Public spaces

X Businesses that lack a license for commercial cannabis consumption

X Motorized vehicles in motion, for both driver and passengers

X Federal land, like national parks

What are the Restrictions on Cannabis Possession in Maryland?

Maryland law sets clear limits on cannabis possession and cultivation to ensure responsible use. Exceeding these limits can lead to civil fines or criminal penalties.

For medicinal use:

Certifying providers identify how much cannabis flower and THC a patient may purchase in a 30-day period, not to exceed 120 grams of usable cannabis or 36 grams of a THC product. This purchase limit is calculated on a rolling basis, not by calendar month.

Dispensaries will calculate the THC in each transaction for each patient and only dispense up to the prescribed amount.

For adult use:

Individuals over the age of 21 are permitted to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or a total amount of cannabis products that do not exceed 750mg of THC.

For the state’s home cultivation program:

Medical cannabis patients can grow up to 4 plants, and adult-use consumers can grow 2 plants per household. The household limit applies to medical patients and adult-use consumers, regardless of whether there is more than one medical patient or an individual over 21. 

(Source: MCA)

During vehicular transportation:

  • Cannabis may either be in a sealed container, or
  • Stored in the trunk of the vehicle

Maryland’s cannabis laws offer flexibility for both patients and recreational consumers. To stay compliant, always follow possession and usage limits. For the most accurate updates, visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration or consult legal professionals if needed.

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Have Questions About Getting a Medical Card in Maryland?

Learn more about medical cannabis in Maryland with our extensive set of patient resources:

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We are a team of cannabis and technology professionals focused on connecting you with state-licensed doctors. We believe all people deserve access to medical cannabis if they think it might improve their quality of life. Since our founding in 2015, we’ve held ourselves and our partners to the highest standards to ensure every patient we serve is able to access reliable cannabis information, trustworthy medical practitioners, and proactive updates on the cannabis healthcare ecosystem and legislation that may affect their experience as a medical cannabis patient.

Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or thinking of becoming a first-time medical marijuana patient, our network of doctors will listen to your needs and give you an honest opinion about whether they think cannabis can help.

Billed only if approved.