July 1, 2023 – Adults 21+ are able to purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary
Who Can Buy: Adults 21+ with a government-issued photo ID
Where to Buy: Adults 21+ can purchase cannabis from approved dispensary locations. View Here.
How Much: Adults 21+ can purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC. This amount is known as the “personal use amount.” You can gift cannabis to adults 21 and older as long as the amount gifted falls within the personal use amount and no money, goods or services are associated with the transfer. You can grow two indoor plants per household, out of public view; however, landlords, management companies and property owners can prohibit growing cannabis on their properties.
Where Can You Use: Private homes and on private property. Smoking cannabis in public is prohibited. This includes parks; streets and sidewalks; bars and restaurants; moving cars; and public transportation (e.g., buses, vans, trains, taxicabs, limousines). Property owners can prohibit the use of cannabis on their property. If you rent, read your rental agreement to see if there are restrictions. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. You can’t use or possess cannabis on federal land (including federal buildings, national parks, military bases, etc.). You can’t transport cannabis across state lines, even if it’s between states where recreational cannabis is legal.
Details on licensing for the industry, medical cannabis, data and more are available at the Maryland Cannabis Administration website.
Health and Safety Tips
FAQs: Public Health and Safety Questions
Source: Guide for Responsible Adult-Use Cannabis Consumption; Español
How does the new law protect youth?
In addition to prohibiting cannabis use and possession for individuals younger than 21 years of age, the legislation includes public health best practices to prevent youth access and to reduce the appeal of cannabis to youth. These include marketing and advertising restrictions, age verifications at the point of sale, child-resistant packaging and restrictions on sales near schools and youth-serving locations like libraries and parks.
What should parents know about youth use of cannabis?
Cannabis use can harm the health and well-being of youth and young adults. Cannabis use may permanently affect the developing brain, especially with regular or heavy use. Parents, caregivers and trusted adults should discourage youth and young adults from using cannabis; should not consume cannabis in front of youth or young adults; and should always keep cannabis out of sight and locked if it is stored in the home. See Storing Cannabis Safely, English/Español fact sheet.
Pick up a medication locking mechanism for free at our Behavioral Health Services division, 925 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown.
NEW – Edibles Information Sheet
How does the new law keep our roads safe?
Cannabis use in a motor vehicle (by a driver or passenger) and impaired driving remain illegal under Maryland law. Law enforcement officers can make a cannabis DUI arrest if they observe impairment using a standard field sobriety testing (roadside test) method. Learn more about preventing driving under the influence of cannabis with this Cannabis and Driving Don’t Mix English/Español fact sheet.
Are there health risks associated with adult-use cannabis?
The health impacts of cannabis use are not fully known. Studies have linked cannabis use, especially frequent use with cannabis use disorder and addiction; anxiety and paranoia; and psychosis. People who smoke or vape cannabis regularly, even without tobacco, are more likely to experience irritation or inflammation in the lining of the lungs. Secondhand cannabis smoke may also pose health risks as it has been found to contain many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Is it safe to use cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Just because a product is legal, does not mean it is safe for anyone to use. Much is unknown about the short and long-term effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend NOT using any type of cannabis (including CBD) while pregnant or breastfeeding. See Cannabis and Pregnancy & Breastfeeding English/Español fact sheet.
What are the risks of mixing cannabis with alcohol, tobacco and/or prescription medication?
Using alcohol and cannabis at the same time can result in greater impairment than when using either one alone, which can lead to greater risk for personal harm. Tobacco and cannabis used together increases your exposure to chemicals that may harm the lungs and cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). Cannabis may alter the effects and/or potency of prescription medication. Always talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking and the possible side effects when mixed with other substances including cannabis.
For more FAQs, click here.
Helplines
- Poison Control Hotline: 800-222-1222
- Serious reaction? Call 911.
- Pet Poison Hotline: 855-764-7661 (fees apply)
- Dependence and mental health support: Call/text 988.
News
- Governor Wes Moore speaks on cannabis change days before new law takes effect, Herald-Mail, June 29
- Marijuana legalization is almost here in Maryland, and here’s what you need to know, Herald-Mail, June 29 (updated online)
- Ocean City cracks down on marijuana consumption, bucking Maryland trend, Salisbury Daily Mail, June 12
