Maryland Marijuana Information
Quick FAQ
While recreational marijuana remains illegal in Maryland, medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2014. The current medical cannabis laws in Maryland allow qualifying patients to possess up to a 30-day supply of medical marijuana. It also permits licensed dispensaries to distribute medical marijuana grown by a maximum of 15 licensed cultivators. Sadly though, it is still illegal for patients or caregivers to grow their own marijuana.
As for recreational marijuana, there were attempts to bring marijuana legislation aimed at taxing and regulating marijuana to the ballot in 2016, but the bill did not move forward. However, there is strong public sentiment in favor of marijuana legalization, with 54% of residents approving of the legislature taxing and regulating marijuana, and there is expected to be a strong push towards legalization in 2018.
Despite still being recreationally illegal, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana for personal use is a civil offence with a maximum fine of $100. However, if you have between 10 grams and 50 pounds of marijuana, it is a misdemeanor punishable by 1 year in jail and and/or up to $1,000 fine. For public use of marijuana, offenders can be charged a civil fine of up to $500.
Kush encourages discretion for all travelers. If you do partake, don’t drive while high – you can be convicted of a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana in Maryland. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Maryland Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
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Maryland FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in Maryland?
Recreational marijuana is not legal in Maryland, but medical marijuana has been legalized since 2014. Possession of a small amount of marijuana (up to 10 grams) and of marijuana paraphernalia has been decriminalized.
Where can I buy marijuana?
Currently, there are only a handful of legal outlets in Maryland where residents can purchase medical marijuana.
How can I help legalize marijuana in Maryland?
While there will not be any marijuana legalization legislation on the ballot in the 2017 election, there is a big push for legalization in 2018. You can help support the important reform by emailing your lawmakers in support of marijuana legalization.
How much will it cost if it is legalized?
The price of marijuana will vary based on strain and quality, and it will also be highly dependent on what the tax percentage is. You can expect prices to be between $10 to $30 per gram.
When will medical marijuana dispensaries open up?
The state of Maryland has been slow to distribute licenses for growers and dispensaries, but it is expected that medical marijuana dispensaries will begin opening up in 2017.
What types of marijuana will the stores sell?
This is all dependent on the specific law passed in Maryland, but this is a general overview of what stores will carry. You will see a number of flower strains categorized by their strains ranging from Indicas to Sativas and everything in between. Each cannabis strain can have different effects so be sure to ask the budtender for assistance in choosing the best strain for you. Strong Sativas strains are known for their general uplifting, energizing, and head high effects while Indicas are known for their full body highs and sedative effects.
Dispensaries will also sell a number of other types of marijuana products, including but not limited to:
- Concentrates: essential oils of the cannabis plant. Warning: these can be very potent!
- Edibles: Cannabis infused foods, candies, or drinks. Warning: These can be very potent! Be sure to check the serving size before enjoying and remember the effects can take up to an hour to hit you.
- Transdermal Products (Topicals): creams, lotions, massage oils and such infused with cannabis. These products are not psychoactive and will not get you high.
- Seeds: seeds that can be used to grow your own marijuana plants. Stores will have many different strains of Indicas and Sativas.
- Clones: healthy seedlings that are ready be grown.
What is the punishment if I’m caught with marijuana?
Marijuana possession (in small amounts) has been decriminalized in Maryland. Possession of up to 10 grams is considered to be a civil offence punishable by up to $100. Possession of 10 grams to 50 pounds is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of $1000 fine and 1 year in prison. However, distribution of any amount is a felony.
If marijuana is legalized can I still get in trouble?
Yes. You can always get in trouble at the federal level, even if marijuana is legalized in Maryland. Be sure to always follow the laws of the state you are in, and state authorities will have no issues with you. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Maryland Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.
