Adults 21 years and older will be able to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis; or a total amount of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg of THC. This is known as the “personal use amount.”

Valid ID must be government-issued and includes a driver’s license, state ID card, passport/passport card, military ID, tribal card.

Only individuals who are registered, certified Maryland medical cannabis patients and caregivers can purchase products under the parameters of Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Program. However, individuals from out-of-state who are at least 21 years of age with government-issued ID will be permitted to purchase adult-use cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Maryland beginning July 1, 2023. Interstate transport of cannabis is still prohibited under federal law.

Cannabis (and hemp) smoking is prohibited in any public place or in any motor vehicle. A public place includes outdoor spaces and indoor spaces open to the public, including parks, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, public transportation (e.g., buses, van, trains, taxicabs, limousines) and indoor places of employment. Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, you also may not possess cannabis on any federal property such as a national park.

Starting July 1, licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in the State will be able to sell to anyone older than 21 years of age, if they choose to convert their license. A list of licensed dispensaries that converted their license will be posted on our website before July 1. Cannabis products are subject to a 9 % sales tax (the same as alcohol). 

A person may purchase cannabis or cannabis products from a licensed dispensary if they display a government-issued photo ID at the point-of-sale that demonstrates they are 21 years or older. Individuals will only be able to purchase up to the personal use amount authorized under law.

A person 21 years or older may lawfully cultivate up to two plants in their home, out of public view. Likewise, a household may cultivate a maximum of two plants, regardless of how many persons over age 21 live in the residence. Individuals under 21 are not permitted to cultivate cannabis plants. In addition, medical patients registered with the Maryland Cannabis Administration can cultivate two additional plants, for a total of four plants; not to exceed more than four plants in a given residence. Landlords and property owners can prohibit growing cannabis on their properties.

A medical card is still needed to purchase cannabis sold as part of the medical cannabis program. Learn more at Medical Cannabis Program ​

The legislation does not address cannabis use or impairment in the workplace. Individuals remain subject to any existing laws and workplace policies on substance or cannabis use (e.g., federal laws prohibiting the operation of commercial transport vehicles while impaired, or workplace policies prohibiting cannabis use specifically and/or impairment generally). The legislation does not address the use of employer drug screening of employees or prospective employees. Your employer or prospective employer can provide more specific information about its policies regarding substance use in the workplace.

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 fact sheet.

No. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and you may not carry or transport cannabis over state lines. It remains illegal to leave (or enter) Maryland with any cannabis products–medical or adult use (non-medical) products. Mailing cannabis in or out of the State is illegal.

In addition to prohibiting cannabis use and possession for individuals under 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.

Starting from July 1, 2023, it is permitted for adults who are 21 years or older to share cannabis with each other. However, there are a few important rules to keep in mind. The amount of cannabis being shared must not go beyond what is considered for personal use, and no money or anything else of value can be exchanged for the cannabis. If someone transfers more cannabis than the permitted personal use amount or accepts payment for the transferred cannabis, they could be seen as intending to distribute it, which is not allowed. People found guilty of possessing cannabis with the intent to distribute may face criminal charges, including a possible punishment of up to three years in prison and/or a fine of $5000.

In Maryland, it is against the law for anyone without a cannabis license to distribute a product meant for people to consume or inhale if it contains more than 0.5 milligrams of THC or 2.5 milligrams of THC per package. If someone violates this law, they are committing a misdemeanor offense and, if found guilty, can be fined up to $5,000 as a maximum penalty.

Yes, the use and possession of cannabis remains illegal under the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA). States may allow adult use within their jurisdictions, but interstate transport is still prohibited under federal law. Cannabis possession also remains unlawful on federal land (including federal buildings, national parks, military bases, etc.), even within states that have legalized it.

Terpenes are a large and diverse group of organic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, pine trees, citrus fruits, and more. They are responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavors associated with these plants. Terpenes are produced in the resin glands of plants and serve various functions, such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and protecting against environmental stresses.

Terpenes are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms and are classified as a type of hydrocarbon. They are derived from a common precursor molecule called isoprene, which combines to form different structures and configurations, resulting in the vast array of terpenes found in nature. These compounds can range from simple, volatile molecules to complex, larger structures.

In addition to their aromatic properties, terpenes have been found to have potential therapeutic effects. They can interact with the human body, including the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating various physiological processes. This interaction is believed to contribute to the entourage effect—the theory that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work synergistically to produce unique therapeutic effects.

Different terpenes are associated with specific scents and potential health benefits. For example, the terpene limonene is often found in citrus fruits and is associated with a citrusy aroma. It has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and mood-enhancing properties. Another terpene, myrcene, is commonly found in hops, thyme, and cannabis, and is known for its earthy and musky scent. It has been studied for its potential analgesic and sedative effects.

Overall, terpenes are natural compounds found in a wide range of plants that contribute to their aromas, flavors, and potential therapeutic properties.

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 fact sheet.

No. The new legislation replaces references to marijuana with “cannabis” in the Maryland Code. Either term refers to flowering plants in the genus Cannabis.

Cannabis is a plant with many names- marijuana, weed, pot, cannabis, hash- that can have psychoactive characteristics and is consumed for medical and non-medical (recreational) purposes. The cannabis plant has hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes.

The cannabis plant produces more than 100 different cannabinoids, which are compounds that can have different effects on the mind and body. Tetrahydrocannabinol known as “THC” and cannabidiol known as “CBD” are the most common. THC is known for its psychoactive effects (a feeling of being high). There are different forms of THC, including delta-9-THC, traditionally found in most cannabis products. However, other forms of THC, such as delta-8-THC and delta-10-THC can also be found in cannabis plants and will be included in the regulated market as part of this legislation.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a “high” or psychoactive effect by itself.

Hemp refers to varieties of cannabis plants that contain 0.3% or less delta-9-THC. The hemp plant has various industrial uses, as well as can be made into consumable products derived from hemp. The new adult-use legislation regulates consumable and inhalable intoxicating hemp products with other cannabis products, while exempting non-intoxicating products, such as CBD edibles, lotions, and tinctures.

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 fact sheet.