Status: Medical only

History:

2013: Medical cannabis legalised
2014: Possession of under 10g (0.3oz) of cannabis for recreational use was decriminalised to a fine
2017: Medical cannabis program became operational and sales finally began

Policy Framework:

• Patients must have one of five qualifying conditions;
• Patients may possess no more than a 30 day supply of medical cannabis as prescribed by their doctor;
• Patients may not cultivate their own cannabis at home;
• Dispensaries are operational;
• There are an estimated 97,830 registered medical cannabis patients in Maryland;
• Possession of fewer than 10g (0.3oz) is decriminalised to a civil offence (like a parking ticket) punishable by a $US100 fine;
• Possession of more than 10g of cannabis for recreational use is a misdemeanour punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $US10,000;
• Possession of more than 50lbs (800oz) is a felony punishable by a minimum of five years in prison and fines of up to $US50,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute is a felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $US1,000,000;
• There are 82 dispensaries in Maryland and 18 licensed growers.

Outcomes:

• Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over the age of 12 increased from 1.4% to 1.9%.

Source: https://crime-data-explorer.fr.cloud.gov/explorer/state/maryland/crime