Cannabis in Maryland
[2] The program, known as the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) became operational on December 1, 2017.
[10] In April 2014, Governor Martin O'Malley signed a law that decriminalized the possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana.
[12][13] Under the law, people over age 21 "who are accused of having less than 10 grams will have to pay a fine and attend a drug education program".
[16][17][18] In Pacheco v. State (2019), the Maryland Court of Appeals determined that "the mere odor of marijuana coupled with possession of what is clearly less than ten grams of marijuana, absent other circumstances," is not sufficient probable cause for police to arrest and search a person within the state.
[24][25] Another marijuana legalization bill that has been brought up in 2021, is SB 708, which has been introduced by State Senator Brian Feldman, a Democrat from Montgomery County.
[27] In February 2022, Maryland lawmakers filed a Cannabis Legalization Bill in anticipation of ballot referendum passing, where it would legalize recreational use of cannabis possession and use on or after July 1, 2023, if voters approve a ballot question in the November 2022 election to allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 1+1⁄2 ounces (43 g) of marijuana, decriminalize possession of amounts greater than that up to 2+1⁄2 ounces (71 g), and allows the General Assembly to set a tax rate on the sale of marijuana.
That fund would go toward incubator and educational programs to promote participation in the industry by people most impacted by criminalization.
The bill would also automatically expunge prior criminal convictions for conduct made legal under the proposed law.
[37][38] Both chambers reached a compromise bill with 9% tax and other provisions, and slated a vote for April 10, the last day of the legislative session.
[40][41] The Governor of Maryland officially signed into law several bills to implement cannabis legalization and sales.
[44] On May 22, 2003, Governor Bob Ehrlich signed a bill into a law that took effect on October 1, 2003, that instituted a maximum fine of $100 for people using marijuana for pain relief.
[46] In April 2014, Governor O'Malley signed another legislation called House Bill 881, which took effect on June 1, 2014, and allowed for the creation of a medical marijuana infrastructure.
[51] On December 1, 2017, after five years of delay, Maryland's medical marijuana program became operational and sales began.
[52] At that time, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission had authorized 14 growers, 12 processors and nine dispensaries in the state; 550 health-care providers were registered to certify patients as eligible; and 8,500 patients were certified by the commission to buy medical marijuana.
[54] By state statute, defendants who can prove medical necessity at trial face a maximum penalty of $100.
[55] In Pacheco v. State (2019), the Maryland Court of Appeals determined that "the mere odor of marijuana coupled with possession of what is clearly less than ten grams of marijuana, absent other circumstances," is not sufficient probable cause for police to arrest and search a person within the state.
[57] From November 13, 2023, Maryland cannabis business licence applications will be accepted by the MCA - social equity ownership of at least 65% is required.
