Licensed Cannabis Medical and Recreational Dispensaries

Tuesday, November 8, 2022, is now a historic date in Maryland –&nbsp;the day that Marylanders voted to approve recreational cannabis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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While this is an exciting step for the state, the passing of legal language does not yet mean you can spark up on the streets to celebrate. In fact, there is still a host of details yet to be determined. As the program is defined, think of this piece as your ongoing resource for Maryland recreational cannabis: rules, regulations, frequently asked questions, updates on the program, and more. &nbsp;

Is Recreational Cannabis Now Legal In Maryland?

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<a href="https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/Legalization-of-Non-Medical-Cannabis.aspx">Question 4</a>, or the recreational cannabis initiative, asked “Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?”&nbsp;

Because "yeses" were the majority, cannabis will be legal on, or after, July 1, 2023.&nbsp;

When Can I Buy Recreational Marijuana in Maryland?

While cannabis will be legal for adults aged 21+ on or after July 1, 2023, the ability to purchase recreational cannabis will not happen in a retail setting until 2024 or 2025, according to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC).

Who Oversees the Cannabis Program in Maryland?

Previously, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission oversaw the medical cannabis program. With the passing of adult-use cannabis in November, this responsibility has now shifted to the Maryland Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

How Much Recreational Cannabis Can I Possess?

There are tiers of possession, based on quantity, with larger quantities subject to fines or even jail time:&nbsp;

&lt; 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis or a total amount of products to not exceed 750 mg of THC: possession is legal beginning July 1, 2023&nbsp;

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1.5-2.5 ounces: punishable with civil fines up to $250&nbsp;

> 2.5 ounces: punishable with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail (Md. Code, Criminal Law, section 5-601(c)(2))

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These quantities may change, but for now are a good guideline. &nbsp;

Maryland decriminalized marijuana in 2014. Marylanders can possess up to 10 grams, with a punishable civil fine of up to $100. &nbsp;

Currently, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) is the overseeing regulating body of medical cannabis. But, with the legalization of recreational cannabis in the state the duties will be transferred to the Alcohol and Tobacco Agency sometime in 2023.

Will There Be Expungements for Past Cannabis Crimes?

In the spring of 2022, a companion bill was passed and a section of that bill allows for the expungement of all cases where possession of cannabis was the only charge. The bill also allowed individuals incarcerated for cannabis possession to petition for resentencing.  

What Does That Mean for Medical Marijuana Patients?

Medical cannabis remains top-of-mind at <a href="https://zenleafdispensaries.com/locations/">Zen Leaf</a>, and for the state. Though nothing is yet set in stone, it’s expected that medical cannabis will&nbsp;not be applicable for taxation, whereas recreational will be. &nbsp;

What's Next for Recreational Cannabis in Maryland?

There is still much to be determined about recreational cannabis in Maryland, from the exact launch date to sales specifics and more; all of which we will relay here.&nbsp;

Regardless of the decisions yet to be made, the passing of recreational cannabis is a significant step for the state and country, further signaling the public’s newfound take on this miraculous plant. &nbsp;

<em>*This post was originally published on Nov. 9. 2022 and updated on Jan. 26, 2023, to reflect new details about the upcoming recreational cannabis program in Maryland, and updated on February 9, 2023, to reflect the availability of online ordering for recreational purchasers. </em>

<em>*This post was reviewed by Verano Marketing Compliance on January 31, 2023.</em> 

Maryland Voters Say Yes to Recreational Cannabis

Brittiany Ralls

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