Maryland Cannabis Laws

Is cannabis legal in Maryland?

Maryland has legalized medical marijuana. Maryland has, however, decriminalized cannabis possession. Voters also approved adult use of cannabis in the state during the November 2022 election, but the new laws won’t take effect until July 1, 2023.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Maryland?

Medical cannabis:

2013

Governor O’Malley signed legislation that established a medical marijuana program in Maryland. The legislation restricts cannabis distribution to academic medical centers, which monitor patients.

2014

• House Bill 881 – medical marijuana is legalized – Updated Statutory Provisions. Full, updated Maryland medical marijuana 2020 legislation here.
• Under Maryland’s approach, physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, podiatrists, and nurse midwives may certify patients as eligible for medical marijuana.
• Several large health systems in the state, citing the federal law against marijuana, said they would bar their doctors from recommending medical marijuana, including LifeBridge Health and MedStar Health.
• Defendants who cannot prove medical necessity at trial face a maximum penalty of $100. Defendants possessing an ounce or less of marijuana are permitted to raise an affirmative defense to the possession charge if they can prove they suffer from a debilitating medical condition.

2016

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission awarded 15 preliminary licenses to grow medical marijuana (out of a pool of almost 150 applicants) and 15 licenses to process medical marijuana “into pills, oils and other medical products.”

2017

The medical program, known as the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), becomes operational.

2020

Gov. Hogan allowed HB 617/ SB 604, “Connor and Raina’s Law,” to become law without his signature. The bill allows for the administration of medical cannabis to students who are qualifying patients during school hours and school-sponsored events.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland?

The Maryland law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

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

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Maryland?

With Leafwell, you can get your Maryland medical marijuana card online in five simple steps:

1. Go to the Maryland Government page and complete your registration. Once complete, you will receive a patient number.
2. Book an appointment with a certified, Maryland-licensed physician. The consultation fee is $125 for an examination (subject to change).
3. Attend your appointment and get a medical cannabis certificate from a state-licensed physician. If you are approved, our physician will submit the certificate to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission website using your patient number. You must have your patient number before meeting with a physician.
4. Get approved and receive your Maryland MMCC ID Card in minutes. The state will email you an e-version as soon as you are approved (this takes approximately three weeks). Please note that Leafwell will not be emailing or mailing you a certificate. You can show up at any Maryland-licensed dispensary as soon as you receive your MMCC ID Card. You can use the e-copy while waiting for the physical version to arrive. The Maryland government will get the physical card to you within a month.You must also pay the State of Maryland to process your card. As of October 2022, the patient registration fee is $25, replacement cards are $125, and each registration is good for six years.

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Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Maryland?

Yes, telemedicine is legal in Maryland, and you can get certified for cannabis online via Leafwell.

How much cannabis can I possess in Maryland with an MMJ Card?

For medical card holders = Up to 120 grams of flower or 36 grams of THC concentrate over 30 days.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Maryland?

It is illegal to grow cannabis in Maryland, even for medical marijuana cardholders.

Does Maryland accept out-of-state cards?

Maryland does not have medical marijuana reciprocity or honor medical marijuana cards from other states.

Will my Maryland card be accepted in other states?

Some states with medical cannabis reciprocity recognize a Maryland medical marijuana card.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Utah
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is acceptable) — just that the state’s medical marijuana laws protect you to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and intend to purchase medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also accountable to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing visiting patients to apply to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Maryland?

Maryland’s medical cannabis law does state that any qualifying patient, caregiver, etc. “may not be” “denied any right or privilege” because of medical marijuana, so long as they are otherwise complying with the law. However, employers may still test for cannabis and take action against an employee who tests positive for cannabis, even if they are a medical marijuana patient.

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Maryland?

State law covers all medical marijuana products tested for heavy metals, hair, insects, molds, and microbiological impurities.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Maryland?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Maryland?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or any additional such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet methods wherever possible.