Maryland Cannabis Laws and Regulations
Maryland is known both as the Chesapeake Bay State and the Old Line State. Maryland is bordered by Virginia and Washington D.C., both of which have legalized adult-use cannabis (although adult-use sales have yet to begin).
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Maryland is home to popular tourist destinations like the Harbor Place, the historic Camden Yards baseball stadium, and the Baltimore Aquarium. The state’s historic district is particularly interesting because of Maryland’s location, its place as one of the original 13 colonies, and the part it played in the Civil War.
In 2013, Maryland legalized medical cannabis. But 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 January 2024, the sale of both medical and adult-use cannabis is available to Maryland residents.
Is Weed Legal in Maryland?
YES, cannabis is legal for both adult-use consumers and medical patients in the state of Maryland.
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.
Where to Buy Legal Weed in Maryland
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.
Maryland’s medical cannabis program is entirely self-funded, and patients pay no taxes on cannabis purchases. Adult consumers without a med card, on the other hand, are subject to a 9 percent adult-use tax.
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?
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
Have Questions About Getting a Medical Card in Maryland?
Learn more about medical cannabis in Maryland with our extensive set of patient resources:
