Who Can Buy Non-Medical Marijuana in Maryland?

Currently, no one can legally purchase adult-use cannabis. This will change in July, though - beginning July 1, 2023, adults 21 years of age or older will be able to purchase and transport up to 1.5 oz of cannabis in the State of Maryland. Purchase is subject to rules and regulations, such as showing a valid ID when visiting the dispensary.

What Are the Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis?

Cannabis legalization can be beneficial to a community and its individual members in a number of ways. Three major benefits of cannabis legalization are in the areas of criminal justice, health outcomes, and the economy.

What Are the Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis?

Cannabis legalization can be beneficial to a community and its individual members in a number of ways. Three major benefits of cannabis legalization are in the areas of criminal justice, health outcomes, and the economy. Criminal Justice Reform Legalizing cannabis keeps people out of prison (and out of the overworked court systems) for minor, nonviolent crimes. In Maryland, cannabis legalization will also involve expunging minor possession charges from the records of many people convicted of cannabis crimes. Expungement can help those affected get better jobs and contribute to their communities going forward. Community Health Some patients who might be inclined to try cannabis for medicinal reasons but who view the medical program as a hurdle will now be able to access high-quality, commercially tested cannabis products just like any licensed medicinal cannabis patient. THC, CBD, and other cannabis-derived compounds have shown great promise for a variety of therapeutic applications, and research continues to unlock the full medicinal benefits of cannabis. Economic Stimulus One of the most exciting aspects of cannabis legalization for any community will be the potential economic impact. By its second year of operation, Maryland’s medical cannabis program generated over $250 million in annual retail sales. Just imagine the potential economic impact general legalization could create.

How Much Cannabis Can You Possess in Maryland?

Cannabis possession is illegal in Maryland until July 1, 2023. Carrying over 2.5 oz of cannabis in Maryland before this date could mean a misdemeanor charge, jail time, and a $1,000 fine (with lesser penalties for lesser amounts). Once adult-use legalization occurs on July 1, 2023, people 21 years of age and older will be allowed to legally carry up to 1.5 oz of cannabis for their personal use. Medical patients can purchase as much as 120 grams on a rolling 30-day cycle, about three times that much.

Where Can You Consume Cannabis Legally?

While Maryland's state government is still tweaking the regulatory framework necessary to roll out full adult-use legalization in July, Maryland is expected to join other states in stipulating that cannabis must be consumed in a private area with the consent of the property owner. While using cannabis in public in Maryland has already been decriminalized to the level of a civil infraction, it can still carry a significant fine.

Who Can Sell Marijuana Legally in Maryland?

In Maryland, as in other states, anyone wishing to grow or sell cannabis commercially will need to be licensed by the state before they can sell to qualified buyers. The procedures for licensing a recreational dispensary or cannabis grow operation in the State of Maryland may change as the state government continues to modify the regulatory processes in anticipation of the July 1 start date. Persons interested in growing or selling for the state’s medical marijuana program will want to work with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, which already has systems and procedures in place for licensing cannabis businesses.

Can I Get Prior Marijuana Charges Off My Record in the State of Maryland?

Possibly. One aspect of adult-use cannabis legalization in Maryland will be the expungement of minor cannabis offenses. If you have a Maryland cannabis conviction on your record stemming from the possession of 10 grams of cannabis or less, you may be eligible to have the record of the conviction expunged so that your record is clear the next time you apply for a job or housing. Your local court or a qualified criminal defense attorney should be able to provide you with more information about the expungement process.

Can I Use Cannabis While Driving in Maryland?

No. Maryland and its neighboring states take DUI and DWI cases very seriously, whether a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances like cannabis. Always use cannabis responsibly and never attempt to operate a motor vehicle while enjoying cannabis products or their effects.

Can I Be Fired for Testing Positive for THC in Maryland?

Nearly every state allows employers to terminate employment if an employee is found using, possessing, or impaired by cannabis while at work, even if cannabis is legal in the state. However, many states, including Maryland, have decreed that companies may not discriminate against employees or potential employees (regarding hiring or advancement) simply because they hold a medical cannabis card or even if they test positive for THC. At the time of this writing, the Maryland Lawmakers Marijuana Workgroup is discussing the potential status of employer THC testing for recreational users in the state. It remains to be seen whether the state will allow zero-tolerance programs or restrict employers from terminating employment due to THC.

All You Need to Know About Cannabis in Maryland

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Danyal Swan

Author

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.

The State of Cannabis in Maryland

Who Can Buy Non-Medical Marijuana in Maryland?

What Are the Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis?

What Are the Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis?

How Much Cannabis Can You Possess in Maryland?

Where Can You Consume Cannabis Legally?

Who Can Sell Marijuana Legally in Maryland?

Can I Get Prior Marijuana Charges Off My Record in the State of Maryland?

Can I Use Cannabis While Driving in Maryland?

Can I Be Fired for Testing Positive for THC in Maryland?

Danyal Swan

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