Maryland is the latest state to join the growing list of places where adults can legally purchase and use recreational cannabis. The new law went into effect on July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“This is cannabis’ kind of Independence Day—over Independence Day weekend—and so it’s nice to be able to pull something together that makes it more of a celebratory occasion,” Brandon Barksdale, co-CEO of Remedy Maryland, told the Associated Press.
The new law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower and up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis. It also allows residents to grow up to two plants at home.
Maryland lawmakers levied a 9% tax on recreational cannabis, with the proceeds going to organizations that serve communities most harmed by the criminalization of cannabis.
The law has been met with mixed reactions. Some people are excited to finally be able to legally purchase and use cannabis, while others are concerned about the potential for increased traffic accidents and other problems.
Regardless of how you feel about the law, there’s no denying that it’s a historic moment for Maryland. And what better way to celebrate than with a joint or two?
Here are a few tips for enjoying legal weed in Maryland:
- Only purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
- Be aware of the legal limits for possession.
- Don’t drive under the influence of cannabis.
- Store your cannabis in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- And most importantly, have fun!
Where to Buy Recreational Cannabis in Maryland
As of July 1, 2023, there are 95 licensed dispensaries in Maryland that are allowed to sell recreational cannabis. You can find a list of all the dispensaries here: https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/dispensaries.aspx
Is It Legal to Take Recreational Cannabis Across State Lines?
No, it is not legal to take recreational cannabis across state lines. Even if you are legally allowed to purchase and use cannabis in Maryland, you could still face legal trouble if you bring it into another state where it is illegal.
What About Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., voters approved recreational marijuana use and sales nearly a decade ago, but Congress has blocked the local government’s ability to regulate and tax the drug. This has resulted in a recreational gray market, where tokers must purchase an unrelated item, such as a T-shirt or food, and they’ll receive a “gift” of marijuana with their purchase.
D.C.’s medical marijuana program allows residents and nonresidents to “self-certify” on their application, eliminating the requirement to have a physician sign off on a prescription. The District also has reciprocal agreements with 37 states and Puerto Rico, which permits anyone with a valid patient registration from those places, including Maryland and Virginia, to make purchases at dispensaries without registering with the D.C. government.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about legal weed in Maryland. So fire up a joint and celebrate our nation’s independence in style!
