Key Dates and Legislation:

• February 3, 2023: House Bill 556 and Senate Bill 516 are first read in the Maryland legislature.

• May 3, 2023: Governor Wes Moore signs HB 556 and SB 516 into law.

• July 1, 2023: Legalization of recreational cannabis for adults 21 and over becomes effective, allowing legal possession and purchase.

Key Statutes:

• Possession Limits: Adults 21 and older can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis.

• Purchase Limits: Individuals can purchase up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis from licensed dispensaries.

• Cultivation: Adults can cultivate up to two cannabis plants at home for personal use.

• Consumption: Public consumption of cannabis is prohibited, with fines for violations.

Social Justice and Equity:

• The legislation includes provisions to expunge records of individuals previously convicted of certain cannabis-related offenses.

• The Cannabis Assistance Fund is established to support social equity applicants, providing grants and loans to promote participation in the legal cannabis industry by those from communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibition.

Regulation and Oversight:

• The Maryland Cannabis Commission, previously focused on medical cannabis, is restructured to oversee both medical and recreational cannabis under the new laws.

• The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission is responsible for the broader regulatory framework, including licensing and compliance for cannabis businesses.

• A 9% sales tax on cannabis products is implemented to support state revenues​.