Practical rules and protections for adult-use consumers and registered medical patients.
Short summary: Adults 21+ may possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or cannabis products containing up to 750 mg delta‑9‑THC. Amounts above those limits may trigger civil or criminal penalties depending on quantity.
For a plain-language source see the People's Law Library guide.
Possession in this range is typically handled as a civil offense (citation rather than arrest); civil fines can reach up to $250 and courts may order education or treatment referrals.
Possession above these amounts may be prosecuted as a criminal misdemeanor with greater penalties (fines, possible jail). See Maryland statutes for full language.
Practical notes: citations for personal-use and civil-use amounts are not classified as crimes; individuals under 21 are subject to civil penalties; registered medical patients may have separate allowances under the medical program.
Statutory references: Md. Code, Criminal Law §§ 5-101, 5-601, and 5-601.1.
Source: People's Law Library — Recreational Cannabis Use and Possession in Maryland (plain-language summary; last updated 10/01/2025 on the source site).
Adults 21+ may cultivate up to two cannabis plants in a private residence, kept out of public view. A household is limited to two plants total regardless of how many adults live there. Registered medical patients may cultivate up to two additional plants (maximum four plants per residence) if allowed under program rules. Landlords and property owners may prohibit cultivation on their properties.
Consumption of cannabis in public places is prohibited. Employers may continue to enforce workplace policies regarding substance use, impairment, and testing. This law does not override federal rules that apply to federal employment or federal property.
Driving while impaired by cannabis may result in DUI charges. Law enforcement may use standard field sobriety tests and other investigative tools to determine impairment. Plan ahead: do not drive after consuming cannabis.
Information focused on certifying providers, program registration, and clinical responsibilities.
Medical program participants retain a separate program and protections; medical cannabis remains available to registered patients under program rules. Clinicians who certify patients should consult MCA guidance and the Maryland Board of Physicians for certifying requirements and FAQs.
Clinicians should be aware of patient safety guidance: age verification, risks for pregnant or breastfeeding patients, dosing guidance, and documentation for certifying medical conditions. See the Board of Physicians and MCA program guidance for details.
Rules and guidance for businesses: licensing, testing, labeling, social equity, and enforcement.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) regulates licensing, testing, and enforcement for growers, processors, retailers, and other license holders. The state has social equity priorities in licensing rounds, expungement pathways for certain convictions, and funds dedicated to community reinvestment.
The law established changes to possession penalties (raising some civil thresholds) and to expungement processes for low-level cannabis offenses. For exact penalties and the expungement process see the Maryland statutes and MCA guidance linked in Resources. Licensees should also review administrative enforcement provisions in MCA regulations and retain legal counsel as needed.
State regulatory text for Maryland is published in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). COMAR contains agency-level rules that implement and interpret statute, and may include licensing, operational, testing, labeling, and enforcement requirements created by state agencies.
Authoritative search: DSD — COMAR Search (Code of Maryland Regulations)
Practical advice: review MCA guidance first for consolidated licensing and compliance resources, then use the DSD COMAR search to read the implementing regulations. When in doubt about interpretation or enforcement, contact the Maryland Cannabis Administration or seek legal counsel — COMAR is the authoritative regulatory source.
This page is a summary only. For legal advice or formal interpretation consult an attorney or the Maryland Cannabis Administration.