On national election Day, voters in Maryland voted for Question Number 4, a legislative action referred ballot question that would legalize weed for adults over the age of 21, with an overwhelming majority of their approval. The use of cannabis by adults has been made legal in Maryland, making it the 20th state to do so. Beginning on the first of July in 2023, people in the state of Maryland will be permitted to legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis and produce up to two plants. So, When the new law takes effect on July 1, 2023, cannabis use and possession will be allowed for anyone who are at least 21 years old.
Marijuana is decriminalized in Maryland as of 2021, making possession of small amounts a civil charge punishable by a fine rather than a criminal offense that entails jail time. Possession of fewer than 10 grams is penalized by a $100 fine for the first offense and a $250 fine for succeeding violations. However, possession of greater quantities, sale, and production of marijuana remains illegal. Additionally, Maryland has a medical marijuana program that permits patients with specified conditions to acquire and use marijuana legally for medical purposes. However, marijuana use for recreational purposes is illegal in Maryland.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Maryland in 2021?
Marijuana usage for recreational purposes is illegal in Maryland as of 2021. Marijuana used for recreational purposes is often smoked for the aim of getting high or enjoying the psychoactive effects of the substance.
The use of cannabis for non-medical purposes is referred to as recreational weed or recreational marijuana. Generally, weed is taken recreationally to experience its psychoactive effects, such as feeling elated, relaxed, or “high.” It may be ingested in various ways, including smoking, vaporizing, ingesting, and as a tincture. In certain states and nations, marijuana is legal for recreational use and controlled by the government, allowing persons over a particular age to purchase it from registered dispensaries. Contrary to medicinal marijuana, which is intended to treat certain health conditions, recreational marijuana is used for enjoyable purposes. The legal status of marijuana usage for recreational purposes differs by jurisdiction; thus, it is necessary to be knowledgeable of local legislation in Maryland.
Maryland weed Laws and Penalties
- In Maryland, possessing 10 grams or less of marijuana is a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense and a $250 punishment for repeating offenses.
- Possession of more than 10 grams of marijuana is a criminal offense punishable by a maximum of one year in imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
- Distribution or sale of marijuana is a criminal offense with up to five years in jail and a maximum $15,000 fine.
- Growing marijuana is illegal and punishable by up to five years in jail and a maximum $15,000 fine.
- Maryland offers a medical marijuana program that permits people with specific diagnoses to purchase and consume marijuana lawfully for medical purposes.
- In Maryland, driving under the influence of marijuana is prohibited.
- In Maryland, it is prohibited to smoke marijuana in public.
- In Maryland, it is prohibited to possess or consume marijuana on government property.
- Possession of marijuana paraphernalia is penalized by a fine of up to $500 as a civil offense.
- If a marijuana crime was committed in a school zone or within 1,000 feet of a school, the penalties could be more severe.
Regardless of state regulations, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. On federal property, such as federal buildings, national parks, and military sites, it remains prohibited to possess or consume marijuana in Maryland. This implies that if a person is discovered with weed on federal property, they may face federal criminal prosecution and consequences, including fines and/or jail.
It is also important to remember that marijuana crimes committed in a school area or even within 1,000 feet of a school may result in additional punishment. Possession of marijuana in a school zone is a criminal crime punishable by a $1,000 fine and/or one year in prison.
Weed Advertising Laws in Maryland: What You Need to Know
- Advertisements must be backed by clinical evidence or data and must list the most important negative impacts or risk of cannabis usage.
- misleading or false remarks are forbidden.
- prohibited: Designs, graphics, images, or depictions that encourage or promote the use of cannabis as an intoxicant.
- Websites must employ an age-filtering technology that excludes users under the age of 18.
Advertisements on social media or mobile applications must state that viewers must be at least 18 years old and that medicinal cannabis is for usage exclusively by approved patients.
Within 500 feet of a substance misuse treatment clinic, advertisements are prohibited.
How much weed can I purchase in Maryland?
Patients in Maryland are permitted to buy 120 grams of effective weed (mainly dried blossom) or 36 grams of THC product every month. The patient’s physician can provide a statement verifying the patient’s eligibility for a specified quantity, regardless of whether it exceeds or falls below the purchase limit.