Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Recreational Cannabis

Saturday, July 1, 2023, is a historic day in Maryland. The first of the month marked the first day of recreational cannabis sales in the state.

From edibles to pre-rolls, topicals to tinctures, the plant and its formats have been decriminalized. Adults aged 21+ can now shop these cannabis options and more at state-approved hybrid dispensaries, where medical and recreational marijuana is sold. With this new option, you're sure to have questions - ensure you're prepared for your first dispensary with our roundup of the most frequently asked questions about Maryland recreational cannabis:  

Is Recreational Cannabis Legal In Maryland?

Yes! July 1, 2023, marked the first day of recreational adult-use marijuana sales in Maryland!

On November 8, 2022, Marylanders voted in favor of recreational cannabis. Since then, the Maryland House and Senate have worked to agree on the details of the recreational marijuana program. Their work paid off - on May 3, 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed the bill stipulating the regulation of recreational marijuana in the state, and on May 25, 2023, emergency rules and regulations to implement the Cannabis Reform Act were defined by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, followed by the first successful sales of recreational cannabis on the target date of July 1.

When Can I Buy Adult-Use Marijuana in Maryland?

As of July 1, 2023, you can purchase adult-use marijuana at state-approved hybrid dispensaries in Maryland!

Is There a Tax on Recreational Cannabis in Maryland?

There is. Recreational purchasers can expect to pay a 9% tax on recreational marijuana in Maryland.

Medical cannabis patients, however, will pay no tax.

Who Oversees and Regulates the Cannabis Program in Maryland?

On May 3, 2023, the Cannabis Reform Act was signed into law, establishing the Maryland Cannabis Administration. The MCA was created to oversee both medical and recreational cannabis in the state.

How Much Adult-Use Cannabis Can I Possess?

There are tiers of possession, based on quantity, with larger quantities subject to fines or even jail time: 

• < 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of vapes/topicals/tinctures, 750mg edibles, or a total amount of products to not exceed 750 mg of THC: legal 
• 1.5-2.5 ounces: punishable with civil fines up to $250 
• > 2.5 ounces: punishable with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail (Md. Code, Criminal Law, section 5-601(c)(2))

These quantities may change, but for now are a good guideline.  

What Products Can Recreational Shoppers Buy?

Maryland recreational marijuana is available in:

• Flower, for smoking or vaping
• Pre-rolls
• Edibles
• Vapes
• Oral cannabis options (including tinctures, capsules, pills)
• Topicals (including transdermal patches)

As macrodosing products, concentrates are reserved for medical cannabis patients only.

What Will Adult-Use Cannabis Packaging Look Like?

The Maryland Cannabis Administration has defined cannabis packaging as being plain, opaque, child-resistant, and containing the universal THC symbol, in addition to product ingredients and cannabinoid content.

Is Marijuana Decriminalized in Maryland?

Maryland decriminalized marijuana in 2014. Marylanders can possess up to 10 grams, with a punishable civil fine of up to $100.  

Will There Be Expungements for Past Cannabis Crimes?

In the spring of 2022, a companion bill was passed and a section of that bill allows for the expungement of all cases where possession of cannabis was the only charge. The bill also allowed individuals incarcerated for cannabis possession to petition for resentencing.  

What Does This Mean for Medical Marijuana Patients?

Medical cannabis remains top-of-mind at Zen Leaf, and for the state. Medical cannabis visitors will receive priority status, from check-in to sale, much akin to a TSA pre-check status at airlines!

What's Next for Recreational Cannabis in Maryland?

Shopping!

Find medical and adult-use cannabis Zen Leaf Elkridge, Germantown, Pasadena, and Towson. Whether you're looking to add a marijuana edible to your nighttime routine for better sleep, a vape to ease aches and pains, or simply want to enjoy the nostalgia (and effects) of marijuana flower, you can be sure we have Maryland's best cannabis. Stop in Monday - Sunday, 9 AM - 9 PM - we can't wait to meet you.

*This post was originally published on November 9, 2022, and updated on July 5, 2023, to reflect adult-use cannabis sales as active in Maryland.

*This post was reviewed by Verano Marketing Compliance on January 31, 2023.