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Cannabis in Maryland is legal for medical use and recreational use. Possession of up to 1.5 ounces and cultivation of up to 2 plants is legal for adults 21 years of age and older.[1] In 2013, a state law was enacted to establish a state-regulated medical cannabis program.[2] The program, known as the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) became operational on December 1, 2017.[3]
A majority of voters approved the 2022 Maryland Question 4 referendum to legalize recreational use of cannabis on November 8, 2022, with 67.2% of voters in favor and 32.8% against. It took effect on July 1, 2023. Under Question 4, adults 21 years of age and older are permitted to grow up to two cannabis plants out of public view, and possess no more than 1.5oz of recreational cannabis on their person. Possession of between 1.5-2.5 oz is punishable by a civil fine of up to $250, and over 2.5 oz is punishable by up to a $1000 fine and up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, a companion bill that was designed to be triggered upon passage of the referendum included a provision to automatically expunge all cases in which possession of cannabis was the only charge, as well as allow for individuals incarcerated for cannabis possession to petition for resentencing. [4][5][6][7]
- ^ "No Green Wave this time, But Two More States Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis". JDSUPRA. November 10, 2022.
- ^ "Maryland Medical Marijuana Laws Prior to Legalization". June 15, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ "About Us". mmcc.maryland.gov. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
- ^ Andrew DeMillo (November 8, 2022). "Maryland legalizes marijuana; 4 other states also voting". Associated Press.
- ^ Nicole Potter (November 8, 2022), "Legalization Initiative Passes in Maryland with Question 4", High Times,
Maryland data published in October showed that 73% of voters were in favor of legalization—and the results show that this was true for voters.
- ^ "Maryland voters approve legalization of recreational marijuana". Associated Press. November 8, 2022 – via Fox News.
- ^ Karina Elwood (November 9, 2022). "Maryland legalized recreational marijuana. Here's what you should know". The Washington Post.