Maryland’s Cannabis Legalization: Progress and Gaps
On November 8, 2022, 67.2% of Maryland voters approved Question 4, legalizing cannabis for adults 21+. This marked the largest margin of approval for a cannabis legalization ballot measure in the U.S.
Current Cannabis Laws in Maryland
- Possession & Cultivation: Adults 21+ can possess up to 1.5 ounces and grow up to two plants.
- Retail Sales: Medical dispensaries began selling to adult-use consumers on July 1, 2023. A social equity license lottery was held in April 2024 to expand the industry.
- Revenue & Taxation: In the first eight months, Maryland saw $450 million in sales, generating over $40 million in tax revenue.
Recent Legislative Changes
- HB 1071 (2023): The odor of cannabis alone is not grounds for a search, and public smoking fines were reduced to $50 for a first offense.
- Failed Repeal Efforts (2024): 45 Republican lawmakers attempted to overturn the ban on vehicle searches based on cannabis odor, but the bill died in committee.
- Employment & Justice Bills (2024): Proposed bills aimed to protect workers from firing due to cannabis tests (HB 525/SB 513) and prevent parole/probation revocation for cannabis use (HB 474), but none received a vote.
Work Still Needed
While Maryland has made huge strides, advocates continue pushing for:
- Stronger expungement provisions for past cannabis convictions.
- Employment protections for cannabis users.
- Ending parole, probation, and pre-trial revocations based on cannabis use.
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