Weed dispensaries in Bethesda, MD

Cannabis Dispensaries in Bethesda, Maryland

Next door to Washington, D.C., where recreational cannabis is permitted, Bethesda, Maryland does not yet currently allow for cannabis consumption outside of medical treatments. Fortunately, cannabis regulations around the state could soon be changing -- so it is important for you to learn Bethesda's cannabis rules today. 

Cannabis Laws to Know in Bethesda

As close as Bethesda is to D.C., it resides in Maryland and is therefore subject to Maryland’s laws and regulations. Despite recreational cannabis being legal in the District of Columbia, Bethesda residents and visitors have legal access only to medical marijuana and medical dispensaries.

Several attempts have been made to legalize adult-use, recreational cannabis possession and consumption in Maryland, especially through the 2010s. Though many Marylanders have hope that a bill up for consideration in 2021 will pass, it is uncertain when legalization will occur. Currently, possessing less than 10 grams of cannabis for personal use has been decriminalized and incurs a $100 fine in Maryland.

Medical Marijuana 

In 2013, then-Governor Martin O’Malley signed legislation that created a medical marijuana program in Maryland — but only in 2016 did lawmakers agree to the regulation of a dispensary program around the state. The first Bethesda dispensary opened in 2017.

To gain access to a Bethesda dispensary, you need a valid medical marijuana card issued by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Adults aged 18 and older can apply for a card, and minors can apply with the supervision of an adult caretaker. MMCC cardholders are allowed to possess a 30-day supply of cannabis products, which is usually capped at about 4 ounces of dry flower, but home cultivation is strictly prohibited. If you are visiting a Bethesda dispensary and have a medical marijuana card from a different state, you cannot legally obtain cannabis in Maryland.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana (MMCC) Card in Bethesda

The first step in gaining legal access to a Bethesda dispensary is registering with the MMCC website, providing proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and a working email address. Through this portal, you will also need to make a $50 payment to cover the expenses of application processing.

Next, you need to visit a healthcare provider licensed in the state of Maryland to receive a diagnosis of a condition that qualifies you for medical cannabis use. The healthcare provider, who can be a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, or any other provider able to write prescriptions, must provide written certification that cannabis is recommended for treatment.

You should immediately gain access to a temporary MMCC card, which you can print or display on a mobile device to make purchases at a Bethesda dispensary.

Where Is It Legal to Consume Cannabis in Bethesda?

In Maryland, cannabis consumption is legal only in private spaces away from public view — which does not include personal vehicles. You can use cannabis products on property that you own or in other accommodations, as long as you have the permission of the property owner. However, it is legal to transport up to a 30-day supply of cannabis anywhere in the state, except on federal property.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Bethesda Dispensary

Bethesda dispensaries are typically open from around 10AM to 8PM, but hours vary by location. Medical dispensaries tend to serve patients one-by-one, so you might expect a brief wait to see a budtender and make purchases. Cannabis delivery is legal in Bethesda, but not all dispensaries offer the service.

There is no statewide purchase limit, but most dispensaries discourage buying more than 4 ounces of dry flower, or the equivalent of a 30-day supply in concentrates or other cannabis products. You should bring enough cash to cover your purchase.

How Much Does Cannabis Cost in Bethesda?

The average cost of medium-quality bud at a Bethesda dispensary is about $20 per gram, but that per-gram price can decrease with bulk purchases. Cannabis concentrates and other processed weed products will cost more, and their price is dependent on the brand, dispensary, concentration, and more.

Cannabis Taxes in Bethesda

Because cannabis is only available as a medical treatment, it is considered a medicine under Maryland law. Thus, there are no special taxes levied on cannabis products in Bethesda dispensaries.