Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis Legal in Maryland Starting July 1, 2023
Starting July 1, 2023, adults 21 and older will be able to legally purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries in Maryland. House Bill 556 and Senate Bill 516 were passed by the Maryland General Assembly to implement adult-use cannabis legalization in response to the voter’s approval of Question 4 on the 2022 ballot. The legislation allows for the conversion of existing medical cannabis dispensaries to serve adult consumers, and it also authorizes the Maryland Cannabis Administration to issue additional licenses for growers, processors, dispensaries, and incubators.
Purchasing Cannabis
To purchase cannabis products, individuals will need to provide a government-issued photo ID demonstrating they are 21 years or older. Purchases will be limited to the personal use amount authorized under Maryland Law and will be subject to a 9% sales tax similar to alcohol.
Personal Use Limits
The personal use amount allowed is up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products not exceeding 750 mg THC.
Impact on the Medical Cannabis Program
The Maryland Cannabis Administration will regulate the expanded medical and adult-use cannabis industry. The new law does not directly impact the medical cannabis program, and patients can continue to obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Expunging Criminal Records
The new law establishes a process for expunging cases with possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis as the only charge, and increases the civil fine possession limit from 10 grams to 2.5 ounces.
Federal Law Still in Effect
It’s important to note that while cannabis use is legalized at the state level in Maryland, it remains illegal at the federal level. Interstate transport of cannabis is prohibited, and cannabis possession on federal land is also unlawful.
Resources
Additional Resources
- MCA: Maryland Cannabis Administration
- HCPD: Maryland Cannabis Law FAQ
- The People’s Law Library of Maryland – Recreational Cannabis Use and Possession in Maryland
Helplines
- Emergencies – 911
- 988 Dependence & Mental Health Support – 988 or 800-273-TALK
- Poison Control Hotline – 800-222-1222
- Pet Poison Helpline – 855-764-7661 (fee applies)
