{"id":3219,"date":"2017-12-17T09:52:10","date_gmt":"2017-12-17T09:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/laws-and-regulations\/maryland"},"modified":"2025-11-26T18:32:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T18:32:45","slug":"maryland","status":"publish","type":"law","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/laws-and-regulations\/maryland","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Weed Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\tIs weed legal in Maryland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes and no. In Maryland, marijuana is legal for the medical purposes of patients and caregivers who are registered with the <\/span>Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission<\/span><\/a> (MMCC). Cannabis for adult or recreational use remains illegal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possession of less than 10 grams<\/span><\/a> of cannabis for recreational or adult use is a civil offense that can result in a fine of up to $100. Subsequent offenses can result in higher fines. A fourth offense or possessing more than 10 grams can result in a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tLegislation history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Maryland's <\/span>HB 881<\/span><\/a>, the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission legislation, was signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley in 2014. HB 881 created the Natalie M. LaPrade <\/span>Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC)<\/span><\/a> and charged it with establishing regulations for the legal consumption, cultivation, possession, and distribution of cannabis products to patients 18 and older.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MMCC released its <\/span>regulatory changes<\/span><\/a> in August 2019. They added dentists, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and podiatrists to the list of eligible providers and made a few administrative changes. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MMCC oversees all licensing, registration, inspection, and testing pertaining to Maryland's medical marijuana program. It also runs the <\/span>registry<\/span><\/a> for patients and caregivers and ensures that medical marijuana is made available in a safe and effective manner.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to purchase weed in Maryland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MMCC has set the purchase limit at 120 grams (4 ounces) of usable cannabis or 36 grams (1 ounce) total THC in a rolling 30-day period. Physicians can recommend more. Edible cannabis products are not available from dispensaries in Maryland since cannabis-infused food and beverages are prohibited. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients and caregivers can only purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries. If patients are unable to make the purchase themselves, they may designate up to two caregivers to buy and deliver medical marijuana on their behalf. Some dispensaries may deliver medical marijuana to the patient's home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding licensed dispensaries in Maryland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Registered patients can <\/span>find licensed dispensaries in Maryland<\/span><\/a> and search by cities including Baltimore, Annapolis, and Westminster. Many dispensaries in Maryland offer delivery and curbside pickup services in addition to storefront sales.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to consume cannabis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis consumption must take place on private property.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consuming cannabis in public, in a parked or moving vehicle, or where smoking is forbidden is against the law. Riding a bicycle under the influence of cannabis also is illegal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maryland law does not protect patients from performing tasks under the influence of cannabis that would constitute negligence.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPossessing cannabis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only patients in the registry and their designated caregivers can legally possess medical cannabis. For each 30-day period, qualifying patients can possess up to 120 grams (4 ounces) of dried cannabis at one time or up to 36 grams (1 ounce) of THC in infused products. Health care providers may stipulate less on the certificate and they can also recommend more. MMCC regulations prohibit home cultivation for patients and caregivers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possession of less than 10 grams<\/span><\/a> of cannabis for adult or recreational use is a civil offense that can result in a fine of up to $100. Subsequent offenses can result in higher fines. A fourth offense or possessing more than 10 grams is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tMedical marijuana registry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The MMCC oversees a <\/span>registry for patients and their caregivers<\/span><\/a>. Once registered, Maryland patients must receive a written certification from a state-licensed physician registered with the MMCC. Patients who have received a physician's certification and completed the MMCC application can purchase medical cannabis from a state-licensed dispensary.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caregivers are required to register and purchase ID cards from the MMCC before they can obtain marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary. Patients younger than 18 are required to have at least one adult caregiver at all times. Only parents and legal guardians of minor patients are eligible to serve as their caregivers. MMCC registration is valid for three years, and a physician's certifications are valid for up to one year.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qualifying conditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n