Maryland Marijuana Laws

Updated September 2019

The state of Maryland has taken significant steps to improve its cannabis regulations. The state has legalized medical marijuana and has decriminalized possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana. Learn even more about Maryland marijuana laws below.

Recreational Marijuana in Maryland

Is marijuana legal in Maryland? No. However, Maryland has decriminalized small possession of marijuana. The passing of Senate Bill 364 in 2014 made the possession of less than 10 grams of recreational marijuana for personal use a civil offense that carries no jail time and a maximum fine of $100.

Possession of greater quantities of marijuana is still a criminal offense. Carrying up to 50 pounds of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of quantities greater than 50 pounds is a felony in the state. Maryland also imposes minimum mandatory sentences for some marijuana-related offenses.

Medical Marijuana in Maryland

Medical marijuana was legalized in Maryland in 2014 when House Bill 881 was signed into law. Patients must acquire a written certification from a licensed physician and register with the state’s program. Under the law, children who meet their physician’s criteria for treatment can become legal patients in Maryland. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are responsible for developing regulations for marijuana access.

Qualified patients can possess up to 120 grams, or approximately four ounces, at one time, unless a physician makes a special determination that a patient needs more. Medical cannabis is available in forms that can be vaporized (not smoked), or extracts, lotions, ointments, and tinctures.

The law approves the following conditions for medical marijuana:

Anorexia
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
Glaucoma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Seizures
Severe or Chronic Pain
Severe Loss of Appetite
Severe Nausea
Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms
Any condition that is severe, for which other medical treatments have been ineffective

Consumption of CBD from Hemp Oil

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal under Federal Law in the United States; however, individual state laws are dynamic and fluid. Individual states may enact their own laws governing hemp-derived CBD.

Cultivation of Cannabis in Maryland

The cultivation of marijuana for personal or medical use is illegal in Maryland.

The cultivation of hemp is legal by licensed growers. In April 2016, Governor Larry Hogan signed House Bill 443, which permits the Department of Agriculture to authorize institutions of higher education to grow hemp for academic research. Legislators then established the Maryland Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program after passing House Bill 698, which took effect July 2018.

Legal Status of Other U.S. States

Stay up to date on the latest state legislation, referendums, and public opinion polls. Our Marijuana Legalization Map allows you to browse the current status of medical and recreational marijuana laws in other U.S. states and territories.

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