Marijuana just got less illegal in Maryland. But it’s not legal yet. Here’s what you need to know

Maryland breaking news: Marijuana became less illegal on Jan. 1 — but it’s not entirely legal to possess yet. That’s happening on July 1, 2023. As for opening stores… well, that’s a whole different topic.

The whole thing is confusing. We are here to help.

Yes, voters passed Question 4, the state measure to legalize cannabis, on November 8, 2022 with an approval rating of 65%.

This action set in motion a gradual legalization plan.

On January 1, 2023, an enhanced decriminalization component of the state’s legalization plan went into effect, which lawmakers outlined in two bills before sending the question to voters.

As a result, personal possession of up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis is now subject to a civil fine of up to $100, but will not result in arrest or imprisonment. Public consumption remains illegal. In other words, an ounce in your pocket will only cost you $100 if you’re caught, but if you light half a gram in public you’ll be arrested. (Adding to the confusion, the state decriminalized possession of a smaller amount of marijuana — 10 grams — a decade ago.)

On July 1, 2023, Maryland will become fully legal. From that date, possession of up to 1.5 ounces will be legal and possession of 1.5 to 2.5 ounces will only be fined $100. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces can lead to arrest.

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So how is anyone supposed to get their weed?

Unfortunately, buying legal buds for your Crab Cakes and Old Bay remains a long way off. There is currently no plan to license legal cannabis stores in Maryland.

State legislatures must finalize guidelines and regulations for the craft program before adults can purchase cannabis without a health card. Lawmakers recently told the Baltimore Sun that Rec product sales may not start until 2025.

In addition, the new law allows adults to grow up to two plants at home.

The good news is that you can drive to a legal store anywhere in Maryland. But you have to cross the state line to get there. Legal Rec Stores are open in New Jersey and all adults can now self-certify to shop at Washington DC’s licensed pharmacies.

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The Maryland erasure process begins

In addition to the decriminalization policy, Maryland residents who have served a sentence for marijuana possession can now request a deletion.

This policy came into effect on January 1, 2023. Before the new policy went into effect, a person had to wait four years after completing a sentence to submit a request for deletion.

House Bill 837 — one of two legalization statutes the Maryland legislature passed before the state’s legalization vote — also provides that all charges of possession in the state (in cases where possession was the only charge) should be avoided until July 1, 2024 have to be deleted.

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