ANNAPOLIS, MD — Beginning July 1st, adults in Maryland can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, that after November referendum in which 67.2% of Maryland voters approved Question 4 — a legislatively referred ballot question to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and over.
Those adults can also cultivate up to two plants in Maryland.
The Marijuana Policy Project reports During the 2023 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed twin bills (HB 556/ SB 516) that implement an adult-use cannabis market in Maryland. On May 4, 2023, Governor Wes Moore (D) signed the legislation into law. Beginning July 1, 2023, existing medical dispensaries will be able to serve adult-use consumers.
A separate Maryland bill states odor of cannabis alone is not grounds for a search and reduces the penalty for public smoking from $250 fine to a $50 fine for a first offense. Governor Moore let the bill become law without his signature on May 19. It will go into effect July 1, 2023.
