The Complete Guide to Maryland Cannabis Laws

Several US states have completely legalized both medical and recreational marijuana, starting a process that cannot be stopped anymore. It becomes obvious that, sooner or later, all the US states are going to legalize the cannabis.

As of now, the state of Maryland has decriminalized both medical and recreational marijuana. There is an existing initiative for enhanced decriminalization of recreational cannabis as well, but that hasn’t happened yet.

If you were wondering if you can freely use marijuana in the Old Line State, there is no simple answer. There are ways to use it legally, but only as long as you follow the requirements set by Maryland laws.

Can I Use Recreational Marijuana in Maryland?

It is legal to possess cannabis of up to 10 grams. The proposed legislation that is about to get passed aims to raise the threshold at 28 grams. Until then, possession of more than 10 grams puts you in a risk of penalty.

Possessing more than 50 pounds, though, means that you have an intent to distribute the marijuana. That brings a serious threat of spending some time in jail.

Possession of between 10 grams and less than 50 pounds of marijuana is a misdemeanor with a punishment of up to one year imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $1,000 [1].

Can I Use Medical Marijuana in Maryland?

Yes, medical marijuana in the state of Maryland is legal, but you can use it only if you meet certain requirements set by the laws. The most important include:

• Being either Maryland resident or a non-resident who receive medical care in Maryland
• Being in a medical condition as required by the laws
• Get a recommendation by a doctor registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission

Although Maryland laws allow using marijuana for certain medical conditions, nothing guarantees that you’ll get some easily. The laws only “encourage” the Commission to recommend the use of cannabis to any of the following groups:

• Patients who have been admitted to hospice or are receiving palliative care due to chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions
• Patients with a chronic or debilitating disease whose symptoms include:
  • Anorexia, cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Severe or chronic pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures or
  • Severe or persistent muscle spasms
• Patients who have been diagnosed with a severe disease, for whom other medical treatments have been ineffective and whose symptoms are “likely to be relieved” by medical marijuana
• Patients with glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder, since the Commission lists these medical conditions as qualifying for a recommendation.

Yes, medical marijuana in the state of Maryland is legal, but you can use it only if you meet certain requirements set by the laws. The requirements are listed above.

How Do I Get Medical Marijuana in Maryland?

In order to get medical marijuana in Maryland, you need to register yourself with the Commission and obtain a recommendation by a doctor registered with them. Step by step, it looks like this:

1. You have to register with the Commission as a patient. The whole process is online. During the registration, you have to submit an identification document, a proof of address, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a recent photo, and other documents that the Commission may require.
2. Next, you need to get a written certification, or recommendation, for using medical marijuana. You need to get it by your doctor. Of course, he or she will have your medical condition examined before recommending any form of medication. Keep in mind that only doctors registered with the Commission are allowed to issue you a certification. A doctor who is not registered, but prescribes marijuana anyway, commits a crime.
3. If you get the certificate, you are free to buy medical marijuana. 😀

If you reach this far, keep in mind the following:

• You, as a holder of the certificate, are the only person who can use the marijuana
• You can’t leave the state of Maryland carrying medical marijuana with you (Click here for DC Marijuana Law)
• You can possess up to 120 grams (4 ounces) of marijuana or 36 grams of THC per month unless your doctor thinks that you need more
• If a police officer searches you and finds the cannabis, show them your ID card and direct them to the database of the Commission to find your name among patients

The Takeaways

It is possible to consume marijuana legally in Maryland, but it is not that simple. When it comes to medical marijuana, meeting the strict legal requirements is a must. Do not expect your doctor to give you a certification if your medical condition does not fall under the required by the law.

If you are into recreational marijuana, in Maryland, be careful to never carry more than 10 grams with you. Anything over that will get you in troubles with the law, but if you respect it, there is no need for worry.

Check out our other Marijuana Legislation articles here.