Maryland Recreational Cannabis Laws
Purchasing & consumption rules for adults 21+.
Informational only — not legal advice. Cannabis laws change frequently; verify current rules with the official sources linked below before relying on this page.
Last verified: 2026-08-28
Maryland Cannabis Laws — Quick Facts
Status
Recreational legal · since 2023 (Question 4 / Cannabis Reform Act)
Min. Age
21
Home Grow
Yes
Source: official state guidance · Facts verified 2026-08-28
Residents & out-of-state visitors
Adult-use cannabis: adults 21 and older
State residents
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
- Public possession limit
- 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
Out-of-state visitors
- Who can buy
- Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Purchase limit
- 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
- Public possession limit
- 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
Sources: Official state guidance · Reviewed 2026-09-09
Purchase and possession limits are different. Limits apply within this state; do not carry cannabis across state lines. Medical programs may have separate rules.
Find dispensary listings in Maryland
137 directory listings across 71 cities.
Browse all Maryland dispensaries →1. Status & Authority
- Legal Since: 2023 (Question 4 / Cannabis Reform Act)
- Governing Agency: Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)
- Statute/Citation: Maryland Code, Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis § 36-101 et seq.
- Medical Exists: Yes
- Retail Sales Operational: Yes (Started July 1, 2023)
2. Who Can Purchase
- Minimum Age: 21
- ID Requirements: Valid government-issued photo ID
- State residents: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
- Resident vs. Out-of-State/Visitor: Adults 21+ with valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Purchase & Possession Limits
- Resident purchase: 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
- Visitor purchase: 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
- Resident public possession: 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
- Visitor public possession: 1.5 oz flower, 12 g concentrate, or products containing 750 mg THC
4. Where & How to Buy
- Dispensaries: Licensed dispensaries only.
- Delivery & Online: Currently, delivery is primarily restricted to registered medical patients. Adult-use delivery operations are extremely limited and subject to ongoing licensing rollouts.
- Consumption Lounges: Permitted by state law if authorized by local jurisdictions (on-site consumption licenses exist).
- Local Opt-Outs: Widespread. Counties and municipalities may establish zoning restrictions.
5. Taxes & Payment
- Excise/Sales Tax: 9% state sales and use tax on adult-use cannabis.
- Local Tax: None currently permitted as an additional local overlay.
- Payment: Cash or cashless ATMs. EBT/Credit prohibited.
6. Consumption Rules
- Permitted Locations: Private property.
- Prohibited Locations: Public places (parks, streets, sidewalks, bars). Smoking in public is a civil offense.
- Vehicles/Open Container: Illegal to consume in a vehicle by a driver or passenger. Must be stored in a sealed container or trunk.
- Landlord/Employer: Landlords may prohibit smoking (but generally cannot ban non-smoked consumption). Employers may test and fire for cannabis use.
7. Home Cultivation
- Allowed: Yes
- Plant Count Limits: Up to 2 plants per household.
- Household Caps: The 2-plant limit is strict per household regardless of the number of adults. (Medical patients may grow 4). Plants must be out of public view.
8. Penalties
- Over-Limit Possession: Civil fines for possession between 1.5 oz and 2.5 oz. Criminal penalties for possession over 2.5 oz.
- Public Consumption: Civil fine.
- Sale to Minors: Criminal charges.
- DUI Thresholds: Impairment-based. No specific "per se" blood-THC limit; relies on officer observation and field sobriety tests.
9. Sources
- Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) (Accessed: 2026-07-12)