Yes, weed is legal in Maryland for adults aged 21 and older. Adults may purchase recreational cannabis from licensed dispensaries, possess limited quantities and grow a small number of plants at home.
However, legalisation does not allow marijuana use everywhere. Public smoking, impaired driving, unlicensed selling, underage possession and transporting cannabis across state lines remain illegal.
When Did Maryland Legalise Recreational Weed?
Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment legalising adult-use cannabis in November 2022. Recreational possession and licensed retail sales officially became legal on July 1, 2023.
Adults do not need a medical cannabis card to purchase recreational products. They must show a valid government-issued photo ID proving that they are at least 21 years old.
Cannabis may legally be purchased only from a dispensary licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Buying marijuana from an unlicensed street dealer, social-media seller or private business remains unlawful.
How Much Weed Can an Adult Possess?
Maryland calls the legal possession limit the “personal use amount.” An adult aged 21 or older may possess up to:
- 5 ounces of usable cannabis flower
- 12 grams of concentrated cannabis
- Cannabis products containing a total of 750 milligrams of THC
- Two cannabis plants at a residence
These categories describe the maximum personal-use amounts permitted under state law. Concentrated products include items such as wax, resin and certain vape concentrates, while the THC limit mainly applies to edibles, drinks, capsules and similar products.
Possessing more than 1.5 ounces but no more than 2.5 ounces of flower is considered a “civil use amount.” The same category includes more than 12 but no more than 20 grams of concentrate, or products containing more than 750 but no more than 1,250 milligrams of THC.
Possession within this higher range is a civil offence punishable by a fine of up to $250. Possessing more than the civil-use amount may result in criminal charges.
Can Visitors Buy Weed in Maryland?
Yes. A person does not have to be a Maryland resident to purchase recreational cannabis.
An out-of-state visitor who is at least 21 may buy from a licensed Maryland dispensary after presenting acceptable identification. Visitors are subject to the same personal possession limits as Maryland residents.
However, cannabis purchased in Maryland cannot legally be taken into another state. This rule applies even when the neighbouring state also permits recreational marijuana. Mailing cannabis across state lines is also prohibited.
Can You Grow Marijuana at Home?
Adults aged 21 or older may grow cannabis at home, but Maryland limits cultivation to two plants per residence, not two plants per adult.
Therefore, a household containing several adults may still grow only two recreational cannabis plants in total. Registered medical cannabis patients aged 21 or older may grow up to four plants per residence under the medical programme.
Plants cannot be visible to the public or from neighbouring private property. Growers must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorised access, including access by anyone under 21. The plants should generally be kept in a secure, enclosed and locked area.
Cultivation is permitted only on property lawfully controlled by the grower or with the property owner’s consent. A landlord may prohibit tenants from growing cannabis.
Is It Legal to Smoke Weed in Public?
No. Smoking cannabis in public places is prohibited.
Public places include streets, pavements, parks, bars, restaurants, public transportation and indoor workplaces. Smoking in public is a civil offence carrying a maximum fine of $50 for a first violation and $150 for a second or subsequent violation.
Cannabis should generally be used inside a private residence or on private property where the owner permits it. Landlords, hotels, condominium associations and private businesses may ban cannabis smoking or use on their premises.
Can You Give Weed to Another Adult?
Maryland permits “adult sharing.” An adult aged 21 or older may give another adult up to the personal-use amount without receiving payment.
The transfer must be genuinely free. A person cannot sell an ordinary product at an inflated price and describe the cannabis included with it as a gift. Marijuana also cannot be offered free in exchange for services, goods or another transaction.
Only licensed businesses may sell recreational cannabis legally.
Can Weed Be Carried in a Vehicle?
Cannabis may be transported within Maryland, but it should remain sealed and preferably stored in the trunk or another area that is not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.
A driver may not smoke, vape or consume cannabis in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway. Passengers are also prohibited from smoking cannabis in the passenger area.
The rule applies even when the vehicle is parked or temporarily stopped on a highway. A locked glove compartment, trunk or area behind the rearmost seat is generally outside the legally defined passenger area.
Is Driving After Using Weed Legal?
No. Maryland prohibits driving while impaired by cannabis or any other drug.
Recreational legalisation does not create a legal THC limit comparable to the 0.08 alcohol limit. Police may examine the driver’s behaviour, coordination, statements, field sobriety performance and available test results.
Having a medical cannabis card is not a defence when marijuana makes someone unable to drive safely. Drivers should arrange a sober ride rather than attempting to judge their own level of impairment.
Can Employers Still Prohibit Cannabis?
Yes. Maryland’s adult-use law does not require employers to permit cannabis possession, consumption or impairment at work.
Businesses may maintain drug-free workplace rules and may discipline employees who violate company policies. Federal employees, commercial drivers and people working in safety-sensitive industries may face stricter restrictions.
Landlords and private property owners may also prohibit smoking, cultivation or other cannabis activity on their property.
Does Federal Law Still Apply?
Cannabis remains prohibited under federal law. It cannot legally be carried onto federal property, including military installations, federal buildings and many national parks.
It is also illegal to transport cannabis across state or international borders, even when it was purchased legally in Maryland.
The Current Legal Position
Weed is legal in Maryland for adults aged 21 and older. Adults may purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries, possess up to 1.5 ounces of flower and grow no more than two plants per residence.
Public smoking, impaired driving, unlicensed sales, excessive possession and interstate transportation remain unlawful. Cannabis users must therefore follow rules concerning age, quantity, location and how the product is obtained.