When will pot become legal in Maryland?

Starting July 1, 2023, the ballot initiative will legalize personal possession of up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana for adults 21 and older. Possession of more than 1.5 ounces but less than 2.5 ounces will thereafter be punishable by a civil fine of up to $250. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces will be punishable by up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $1,000.

Can I smoke legally now?

For most people, not yet. But the state’s medical marijuana program remains open for Marylanders with medical marijuana cards. Otherwise, until July, marijuana remains illegal but decriminalized in Maryland. Currently, possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana carries a $100 civil fine. Decriminalization will be expanded up to 1.5 ounces from Jan. 1 to June 30.

Can you grow weed at home?

Yes. The initiative will allow adults to grow up to two cannabis plants in their home, out of the public view, starting July 1.

Where will you be able to buy cannabis?

Recreational sales will not be immediately available in Maryland. When lawmakers voted to put legalization on the ballot earlier this year, they also passed a companion bill outlining some next steps in the regulation process — such as timing, and what amounts of marijuana would be legal to possess — that would go into effect if voters passed the referendum. However, lawmakers have not yet established a framework for retail sales to begin. That will probably be a discussion during the next General Assembly session in January.

Will selling pot be legal?

No. Selling marijuana without the proper licensing will remain illegal under the new law, classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by up to three years or a fine of up to $5,000.

Can you smoke in public after legalization?

No. Smoking marijuana in public will be punishable by up to $250.

Will past marijuana possession charges be expunged?

Yes. The companion bill passed in the spring included a provision to automatically expunge all cases in which possession of cannabis was the only charge. The provision also allows individuals incarcerated for cannabis possession to petition for resentencing.

Is marijuana use legal in Virginia and D.C.?

Yes. In 2014, D.C. voters passed Initiative 71, a referendum that legalized the possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana for recreational use for adults 21 and older. But Congress has regulatory oversight of the District’s laws, and in 2015 it stymied plans to set up a regulated retail market , leaving pot illegal to buy or sell. Some D.C. shops, exploiting a legal loophole, allow customers to buy an item such as a lighter or mask and receive a free “gift” of marijuana with their purchase. Last year, the Virginia legislature legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and cultivation of up to four plants for adults 21 and older. Like D.C., Virginia has yet to establish a framework for a legal market , leaving it illegal to buy or sell cannabis. But unlike D.C., there is no loophole for legal gifting shops to operate.

Maryland

Maryland legalized recreational marijuana. Here’s what you should know.

By Karina Elwood

Updated November 9, 2022 at 5:04 p.m. EST|Published November 9, 2022 at 6:30 a.m. EST

Adults 21 and older in Maryland will be allowed to possess, smoke and grow marijuana, according to an Associated Press projection. But there’s some fine print on how much is allowed and when Marylanders can legally smoke. (Charlie Riedel/AP)

Maryland voted to legalize recreational marijuana use Tuesday night, adding it to a growing wave of states and territories that have done so since 2012.

Under the initiative, listed as Question 4 on the ballot, adults 21 and older will be allowed to possess, smoke and grow marijuana. But there’s some fine print to be aware of regarding how much is allowed and when Marylanders can legally smoke.

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Here’s what you need to know about recreational marijuana legalization in Maryland.

2022 Maryland Gubernatorial Election: What to know

Races to watch: Wes Moore is projected to become Maryland’s first Black governor. In other historic races, Anthony G. Brown declares victory as Maryland’s first Black attorney, and Aruna Miller will be the state’s first immigrant and first woman of color to serve as lieutenant governor.

Key issues: Maryland’s vote to legalize recreational marijuana is among key issues that residents care about. Here’s what to know about Maryland’s recreational marijuana law.

What’s at stake: Why are midterm elections important? Democrats could dominate all branches of government if they prevail in November, and Republicans hope to keep a seat at the table.