Is Marijuana Legal In Maryland? What Changed In 2025

Yes, marijuana is fully legal in Maryland for adults 21 and older. Since July 1, 2023, you can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, purchase from licensed dispensaries, and even grow up to two plants at home.

Picture this: It’s a Saturday afternoon in Baltimore, and you’re walking past a sleek dispensary with a line out the door. Your neighbor mentions they just bought edibles for the first time. Your cousin texts asking if they can bring weed across state lines from DC.

Welcome to Maryland in 2025, where 67.2% of voters approved legalization in November 2022, making the Free State one of the newest additions to America’s cannabis-legal landscape.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: Maryland’s marijuana laws are more nuanced than just “legal” or “illegal.” From surprising restrictions on home cultivation to recent tax increases that caught consumers off guard, there’s a lot beneath the surface that Maryland residents need to understand.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about marijuana legality in Maryland—from what you can possess to where you can consume it, with the legal clarity you need to stay on the right side of the law.

Maryland’s Recreational Marijuana Legalization: The Full Story

When Did Marijuana Become Legal in Maryland?

Maryland voters approved Question 4 on November 8, 2022, by the highest margin of any cannabis legalization ballot measure in U.S. history. But voting day wasn’t when weed became legal.

The actual implementation happened in stages:

November 8, 2022: Voters approved Question 4 with 67.2% support
July 1, 2023: Recreational possession, use, and sales became legal for adults 21 and older
July 1, 2025: Cannabis sales tax increased from 9% to 12%

Here’s what makes Maryland unique: The state legislature had to pass implementing legislation after the constitutional amendment passed. This seven-month gap gave regulators time to convert medical dispensaries to adult-use facilities and establish the framework.

What Changed on July 1, 2023?

That date marked a seismic shift in Maryland cannabis policy. Overnight, actions that could have landed you in legal trouble became perfectly legal—if you followed the rules.

Adults 21+ gained the right to:

Possess marijuana without criminal penalties
Purchase cannabis from licensed retailers
Grow plants at home (with restrictions)
Consume cannabis in private spaces

But the law also created new restrictions and penalties for violations, which we’ll cover in detail below.

Is Marijuana Legal in Maryland? What Changed in 2025 Guide to Cannabis Laws

What’s Legal Under Maryland Marijuana Laws?

Possession Limits: How Much Weed Can You Have?

Adults over 21 may possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or cannabis products that don’t exceed 750 mg THC.

Let me break that down in practical terms:

Cannabis Flower: 1.5 ounces

That’s roughly 42 grams
About enough for 40-80 joints, depending on how you roll

Concentrates: 12 grams maximum

Includes wax, shatter, oil, and similar products
Much more potent than flower

Edibles/Products: 750 mg total THC

That’s typically 75 standard 10mg edible servings
Check product labels carefully

Critical Detail: These limits apply to what you can possess outside your home. Inside your private residence, you can legally possess what you’ve grown yourself or purchased, though distributing it remains illegal.

Home Cultivation: Can You Grow Marijuana in Maryland?

Yes, but with strict limitations. Adults are allowed to grow up to two cannabis plants starting July 1, 2023, and plants must be out of public view and secured so they’re not accessible by unauthorized individuals or those under 21.

Here are the key rules:

Plant Limits:

Maximum two mature plants per household (not per person)
Even if multiple adults over 21 live there, the household limit remains two plants
Medical patients may cultivate more (typically up to four plants)

Growing Location Requirements:

Plants may only be grown on property lawfully in your possession—meaning you own it or have a valid lease
Must be out of public view
Must be secured to prevent unauthorized access
Indoor or outdoor cultivation both allowed if these conditions are met

Renter Alert: Your landlord may prevent you from growing cannabis plants, so check your lease to see if it addresses cultivation.

Penalties for Violations: Criminal penalties exist for those who don’t follow the rules, including growing more than two plants or allowing minors access.

Where Can You Legally Consume Marijuana?

This is where many Maryland residents get tripped up. Legalization doesn’t mean you can smoke anywhere.

Legal Consumption Locations:

Your private residence
Private property with owner’s permission
Some hotels that specifically allow it (rare)

Prohibited Locations: Smoking cannabis is prohibited in any public place, including outdoor spaces and indoor spaces open to the public such as parks, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, public transportation, and indoor places of employment.

You also may not possess cannabis on any federal property such as national parks since cannabis remains federally illegal.

Penalties: Public consumption violations can lead to fines up to $50 for a first offense and up to $150 for subsequent offenses.

Maryland’s Medical Marijuana Program: Still Relevant?

Absolutely. Even though recreational cannabis is legal, Maryland’s medical marijuana program through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) offers distinct advantages.

Why Get a Medical Card?

Higher Possession Limits: Medical patients can possess more than the recreational 1.5-ounce limit.

More Home Plants: Medical patients can typically grow up to four plants instead of the two-plant household limit for recreational users.

Potential Tax Benefits: While the recreational tax is now 12%, medical cannabis taxation may differ.

Legal Protection: Stronger protections in employment and housing situations in some cases.

Access to Different Products: Some dispensaries offer medical-only product lines with specific cannabinoid profiles.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card

The process requires:

Diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition
Registration with the MMCC
Physician certification
Application submission and fee payment

You can find the complete process at cannabis.maryland.gov.

Where to Buy Marijuana Legally in Maryland

Licensed Dispensaries Only

Only licensed cannabis businesses can sell cannabis. Private sales, gifting for compensation, and unlicensed retailers are all illegal.

As of 2025, Maryland has dozens of licensed dispensaries across the state, concentrated in:

Baltimore County and City
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Anne Arundel County
Frederick County

What You Need to Buy

Valid government-issued ID proving you’re 21+
Cash or debit card (many dispensaries still don’t accept credit cards due to federal banking restrictions)

Prices and Taxes

Maryland’s cannabis sales tax increased from 9% to 12% on July 1, 2025, making it one of the more expensive states for legal cannabis. This tax applies on top of the product’s base price.

For comparison, that 12% rate matches Maryland’s tax rate on alcoholic beverages.

Legal Consequences: What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Possession Over the Limit

Possessing more than 1.5 ounces but less than 2.5 ounces can result in civil penalties.

Possessing larger amounts may lead to criminal charges, especially if authorities suspect intent to distribute.

Intent to Distribute

Individuals charged with possession with intent to distribute may be criminally charged and face penalties of three years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

Factors that suggest distribution intent:

Large quantities beyond personal use
Packaging materials
Scales or measuring devices
Large amounts of cash
Multiple smaller packages

Underage Possession

Possession and use by individuals younger than age 21 is illegal and subject to civil penalties.

Maryland takes underage cannabis use seriously, with penalties including:

Fines
Drug education programs
Potential impact on driving privileges

Driving Under the Influence

Marijuana DUI laws remain strict. You can be charged with DUI if cannabis impairs your driving ability, regardless of legalization. Maryland has also established blood-testing protocols for THC levels in drivers.

Unlicensed Sales

Unlicensed businesses selling non-compliant products are subject to misdemeanor charges and fines up to $5,000.

Local Regulations: How Cities and Counties Differ

Here’s something crucial that trips up many Maryland residents: Local jurisdictions can impose additional restrictions beyond state law.

What Local Governments Can Regulate

Zoning for dispensaries (where they can operate)
Additional home cultivation restrictions
Public consumption enforcement approaches
Business licensing requirements

Notable Local Variations

Some Maryland counties and cities have:

Limited the number of dispensaries
Created buffer zones around schools and parks
Imposed stricter signage requirements
Enhanced penalties for public consumption

Pro Tip: Always check your local county or city ordinances. What’s legal in Baltimore City might have additional restrictions in Carroll County.

Comparing Maryland to Neighboring States

Understanding how Maryland stacks up against its neighbors helps if you’re traveling or considering a move.

Washington, DC

DC legalized recreational marijuana in 2015, but with a quirk: sales remain illegal. Only gifting is allowed, creating a grey market. Maryland’s regulated sales system is actually clearer.

Virginia

Virginia legalized possession and home cultivation in 2021 but doesn’t yet have legal retail sales (expected 2025-2026). Maryland is ahead on the retail front.

Pennsylvania

Still medical-only. Recreational legalization efforts continue but haven’t passed. Maryland residents can’t legally bring cannabis into Pennsylvania.

Delaware

Legalized recreational possession in April 2023, similar timeline to Maryland. Retail sales began in 2024.

West Virginia

Medical only, with no recreational legalization on the horizon.

Border Crossing Warning: It’s illegal to transport marijuana across state lines, even between two legal states. Federal law prohibits interstate cannabis transport, and it remains a federal crime.

Recent Legislative Updates and 2025 Changes

Maryland’s cannabis landscape continues evolving. Here are the most significant recent changes:

Tax Increase (July 1, 2025)

The cannabis sales tax increased from 9% to 12% on July 1, 2025. Lawmakers approved this hike to generate additional revenue for state programs.

This affects your wallet directly—a $100 purchase now costs $112 instead of $109.

Maryland has prioritized social equity applicants for cannabis licenses, aiming to ensure communities most impacted by prohibition benefit from legalization.

Recent legislation includes provisions for:

Expedited licensing for social equity applicants
On-site consumption licenses
Delivery services extension

Pending Changes to Watch

Several bills in the Maryland General Assembly could affect cannabis laws:

Additional license types
Consumption lounges regulations
Criminal record expungement expansions
Modifications to home cultivation rules

Stay updated through cannabis.maryland.gov and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission (ATCC).

Real-Life Example: How Legalization Affected One Maryland Resident

Meet Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher from Silver Spring. Before legalization, she used marijuana occasionally for anxiety but worried about legal consequences and relied on friends’ connections.

Post-legalization, Sarah:

Obtained a medical marijuana card through her doctor for anxiety
Shops at a local dispensary with lab-tested products
Knows exactly what she’s consuming (strain, THC content, CBD ratio)
Feels legally protected
Can ask budtenders questions and get professional recommendations

The biggest change? “I’m not constantly worried about breaking the law,” she says. “I can research products online, read reviews, and make informed decisions like I would with any other wellness product.”

Her experience reflects thousands of Maryland residents who’ve transitioned from the illegal market to legal, regulated cannabis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Marijuana Laws

Can you smoke weed in Maryland?

Yes, if you’re 21+ and in a legal location. You cannot smoke in public places including parks, streets, restaurants, or transportation. Stick to private residences or private property with permission.

How much weed can you have in Maryland?

Adults 21+ can possess up to 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or products totaling 750 mg THC.

Where can I buy marijuana in Maryland?

Only at licensed dispensaries. Find locations through cannabis.maryland.gov or through dispensary finder apps. Private sales are illegal.

Is medical marijuana still relevant in Maryland?

Yes. Medical patients get higher possession limits, more home cultivation plants, and potentially different tax treatment. If you have a qualifying condition, a medical card offers advantages beyond recreational legalization.

Can you grow marijuana at home in Maryland?

Yes, adults 21+ can grow up to two plants per household, kept out of public view and secured. Renters need to check their lease, as landlords can prohibit cultivation.

What happens if you get caught with too much weed in Maryland?

Amounts over 1.5 ounces can result in civil penalties or criminal charges depending on the quantity. Possession with intent to distribute carries penalties of three years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

Can you travel with marijuana in Maryland?

Within state borders, yes, as long as you stay within possession limits. But you cannot possess cannabis on federal property, and crossing state lines with cannabis remains a federal crime even if both states have legalized.

What’s the penalty for smoking weed in public in Maryland?

Public consumption violations result in fines up to $50 for first offense and up to $150 for subsequent offenses.

Can employers still drug test for marijuana in Maryland?

Yes. Despite legalization, employers can maintain drug-free workplace policies and test for marijuana. Employment protections are limited, though medical patients have some additional protections.

Are edibles legal in Maryland?

Yes, edibles are legal to purchase from licensed dispensaries and possess up to 750 mg total THC. Making and selling your own edibles is illegal.

Key Takeaways: What Maryland Residents Need to Remember

Let’s distill this into the essentials:

What’s Legal:

Possession of up to 1.5 oz flower / 12g concentrate / 750mg THC products (21+)
Purchasing from licensed dispensaries
Growing up to two plants per household
Private consumption in your home

What’s Not Legal:

Public consumption (fines up to $150)
Selling without a license (up to $5,000 fine + jail time)
Possession by anyone under 21
Crossing state lines with cannabis
Driving under the influence
Possessing more than legal limits

Things to Watch:

Local ordinances in your city/county
Your lease agreement if you rent
Tax increases (currently 12% as of July 2025)
Evolving employment policies
Federal law restrictions on federal property

Official Resources and Where to Learn More

Don’t rely solely on articles (even comprehensive ones like this). Go straight to the official sources:

Maryland Cannabis Administration: cannabis.maryland.gov

Official laws and regulations
Dispensary locator
License information
FAQs

Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC): For medical marijuana program information

Maryland General Assembly: mgaleg.maryland.gov

Track pending legislation
Read actual law text
Follow committee hearings

Maryland People’s Law Library: peoples-law.org

Plain-language legal explanations
Cannabis law resources

NORML Maryland: For advocacy, education, and legal update

The Bottom Line on Marijuana Legality in Maryland

So, is marijuana legal in Maryland? The answer is a resounding yes—with conditions.

Since July 1, 2023, adults 21 and older can legally possess and use small amounts of cannabis. You can buy it, grow it (within limits), and consume it privately.

But legalization isn’t a free-for-all. The rules matter. Possession limits, consumption locations, home growing restrictions, and local ordinances create a framework you need to understand and follow.

The Maryland cannabis market is still maturing. The recent tax increase to 12% shows the state is still figuring out the economic model. Regulations continue evolving. New business types are being approved.

If you’re a Maryland resident interested in cannabis, stay informed:

Know your local laws
Buy only from licensed dispensaries
Respect possession and cultivation limits
Consume only in legal locations
Keep up with legislative changes

Maryland’s journey from prohibition to legalization reflects a broader national trend. With 67.2% of voters supporting legalization, it’s clear most Marylanders believe adults should have legal access to cannabis.

Now you know the legal landscape. Use this information to make informed, legal decisions about cannabis in the Free State.

Need Legal Help with a Marijuana-Related Issue in Maryland?

If you’re facing criminal charges, have questions about your rights, or need legal representation for a cannabis-related matter, consult with a Maryland criminal defense attorney experienced in drug laws. Cannabis legalization is still new, and having expert legal guidance can make all the difference.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about marijuana laws in Maryland and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently, and local variations apply. For specific legal guidance, consult with a qualified Maryland attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a former criminal defense attorney with hands-on experience in cases involving DUIs, petty theft, assault, and false accusations. Through All About Lawyer, she now helps readers understand their legal rights, the criminal justice process, and how to protect themselves when facing charges.
Read more about Sarah

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