Is Cannabis Legal In Maryland?

Yes, cannabis is currently legal for medical use in Maryland. Recreational use will become legal in July 2023.

Medical
Recreational

Cannabis for Medical Use in Maryland

Maryland’s medical marijuana program was established in 2013, following the passage of Senate Bill 308. The program is overseen by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission and is available to patients who have been diagnosed with certain qualifying medical conditions. These conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease, among others.

To participate in the program, patients must obtain a written recommendation from a licensed physician and register with the state. Once registered, patients are issued an identification card that allows them to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries. The program allows for the use of medical marijuana in a variety of forms, including oils, pills, and creams, but does not allow for the smoking or vaporizing of marijuana.

As of 2021, there were over 96,000 registered patients in Maryland’s medical marijuana program. The program has faced some challenges in recent years, including a lack of available dispensaries and strict regulations governing the production and sale of medical marijuana products. However, the program has also provided much-needed relief to patients suffering from serious medical conditions.

Qualifying Conditions

  • cachexia
  • anorexia
  • wasting syndrome
  • severe or chronic pain
  • severe nausea
  • seizures
  • severe or persistent muscle spasms
  • glaucoma
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • or another chronic medical condition which is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective

Recreational Use of Cannabis in Maryland

On Election Day, Maryland voters approved a ballot question that legalized cannabis for adults 21 and over. As a result, Maryland became the 20th state in the U.S. to legalize the drug for recreational use. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2023, and will allow adults in the state to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and cultivate up to two plants.

Where Can I Get Cannabis in Maryland?

As of 2021, there were over 30 licensed dispensaries operating in Maryland, with more expected to open in the coming years.