Maryland Cannabis Laws

It is legal to use marijuana for medical and recreational purposes in Maryland.

Medical cannabis became legal in 2014 when Governor Martin O’Malley signed House Bill 881 into law. The passage of this groundbreaking bill prompted the creation of the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, now known as the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), the state’s official regulatory board. Additionally, HB 881 authorized patients to possess a 30-day supply of pre-approved cannabis products.

And in late 2022, Maryland voters approved adult-use cannabis. In May 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed SB 516 into law, which allows the purchase, possession, and cultivation of cannabis. Maryland’s recreational laws went into effect on July 1, 2023, making it the 20th state to fully legalize cannabis.

Marijuana Laws in Maryland

Maryland legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes in 2014 and legalized recreational cannabis in 2023. Hemp-derived substances such as CBD, delta-8, and delta-10 are legal in Maryland as well. The MCA has established a detailed set of regulations consumers should be familiar with.

Medical Cannabis Laws

State law allows patients 18 years and older to purchase a rolling 30-day supply of dried cannabis flower or up to 36 grams of THC-rich products (such as edibles, concentrates, and extracts) from a licensed dispensary. Certifying physicians may increase this limit if deemed medically beneficial.

Patients under 18 years of age must have an authorized parent or legal guardian purchase, possess, and supervise the use of medical marijuana. Lastly, medical cannabis is exempt from taxation in Maryland.

Recreational Marijuana Laws

Mayland’s recreational program allows adults 21 and over to possess:

• Up to 42.5 grams (1.5 ounces) of dried cannabis flower; or
• Up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis (vape products and extracts); or
• Up to 750 milligrams of THC edibles; or
• A maximum of two cannabis plants per household.

Penalties for violating current cannabis laws in Maryland range from a civil offense to a felony. For example, those who possess more than 1.5 ounces of marijuana, but less than 2.5 ounces, may incur a civil fine of up to $250. (Subsequent offenses may incur additional penalties.) Additionally, those currently serving time for cannabis possession may apply for resentencing now that recreational cannabis is legal, for which the courts must terminate their incarceration by resentencing them to time served.

Adult-use cannabis is taxed at 9%, with a fraction of this revenue earmarked for organizations that serve communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition laws.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in Maryland

Despite strides in legislation, cannabis is still considered an illegal Schedule I drug in the United States. Without federal approval, each state must establish its own set of comprehensive marijuana laws. As the regulatory landscape expands, the MCA continues to develop regulations promoting safe, responsible medical cannabis use.

Certain Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Cannabis

The following conditions may qualify you for a medical marijuana card in Maryland:

• Anorexia
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Chronic Pain
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Persistent Muscle Spasms
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Severe, Chronic or Intractable Pain
• Severe Nausea
• Wasting Syndrome
• Severe conditions where other medical treatments have been ineffective
• A medical condition requiring hospice admittance or receiving palliative care

Telemedicine Is Allowed

Maryland’s medical marijuana program allows telemedicine, and you can get certified to receive a medical marijuana card online. If you’re ready to apply, Leafwell can get you approved in minutes. Contact one of our certified physicians today to get started.

Maryland Does Not Have Reciprocity Laws

While Maryland does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, Maryland medical marijuana cards may be honored by the following states and territories that offer reciprocity:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

States that have recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older but do not accept out-of-state cards include:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota (currently only tribal dispensaries)
• Missouri
• Montana
• New York
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington

There Are No Employment Protections for Cardholders

Although medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, there are no current labor laws that protect medical marijuana patients. Employers who administer drug tests can take adverse actions against those who test positive for cannabis, including those with valid medical cannabis cards.

That said, Maryland lawmakers have proposed legislation (HB 628) that aims to prohibit employers from discriminating against medical cannabis patients. HB 628 would also require employers to offer medical cannabis treatment to injured employees receiving worker’s compensation.

Can You Grow Cannabis in Maryland?

Adults 21 and over are allowed to grow up to two cannabis plants within a private residence. All plants must be secured and situated out of public view.

The Bottom Line

Medical cannabis use and recreational marijuana possession and use are legal in Maryland.

Patients with a valid medical marijuana card can possess up to a 30-day supply of pre-authorized marijuana products. And recreational users 21 and over can either possess up to 1.5 ounces of dried cannabis, no more than 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, up to 750 milligrams of THC edibles, or a maximum of two cannabis plants per household.

Additionally, current laws permit the use of synthetic cannabinoids, including delta-8, delta-10, and hemp-derived products containing CBD. Residents should follow the Maryland Cannabis Administration for up-to-date info on the new recreational program.