Adult-Use Cannabis: New Guidance for MD Counties

As previously reported on Conduit Street, the purchase and possession of adult-use cannabis become legal in Maryland this Saturday, July 1. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has transitioned to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) as a new state agency with regulatory oversight of medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Maryland.

Image courtesy of MCA (click to expand)

Nearly all existing medical dispensaries (approximately 100 locations statewide) have converted their licenses and, as of July 1, are permitted to sell both medical and adult-use cannabis products to adults 21+ with valid government identification. A list of licensed dispensaries is available here.

This fall, MCA will accept applications for an initial round of new grower, processor, and dispensary licenses, the first available exclusively to social equity applicants nationwide. MCA will provide education, outreach, and technical assistance online, in person, and through attendance at several events this summer, with initial awards anticipated by January 1, 2024.

Key facts regarding the new law, per MCA:

  • Smoking cannabis is permitted only in private residences. Public smoking is prohibited indoors and outdoors, on public transit, moving vehicles, and on all federal property.
  • Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal.
  • Purchase and possession limits for the adult-use market include 1.5 ounces of dried cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrate (i.e., vapes), or 750 milligrams of THC (i.e., edible products). Products can be shared with other adults. A single household can grow up to two cannabis plants indoors and out of
  • public view.
  • Dispensaries are permitted to sell dried cannabis flower (including joints), vapes, and other topical and consumable products with no more than 10 milligrams of THC per serving and 100 milligrams of THC per package.
  • A nine percent sales tax will be applied to adult-use sales.
  • The medical cannabis program will remain unchanged. Dispensaries must have patient-only hours or lines, medical products will not be subject to the sales tax, and certain highly concentrated products will only be available for certified patients.
  • Employers and landlords/property managers are permitted to retain stronger policies on cannabis use.

In preparation for adult-use cannabis, MCA developed and distributed point-of-sale toolkits with consumer education materials to all licensed dispensaries. According to MCA, this is the most comprehensive information in the country that has been provided to consumers at the inception of legal adult-use sales.

Toolkits include the following materials, available at dispensaries beginning July 1:

  • Clings for doors/windows stating that the minimum age for adult-use sales is 21, and valid identification is required.
  • Posters to be displayed in dispensaries with information on laws and tips on responsible use, such as storing products locked and safely away from children in the home and “start low, go slow” dosage guidance, especially for consumption of edibles.
  • Stickers to display at the entrance or registers with a QR code for tips on consumption, especially for new or novice consumers.
  • “Takeaways” for consumers in the form of magnets (coming soon) with Maryland Poison Center and additional helpline information and a foldable “Pocket Guide for Responsible Cannabis Consumption” with information on laws, starter dosage guide, safe consumption and storage, helplines and other safety tips.

These materials can all be found for viewing and download here. MCA anticipates printing additional copies of consumer education materials to share with partners. If you are interested in receiving materials for distribution, please send a detailed request to publichealth.mmcc@maryland.gov.

Additionally, MCA has developed eight:15 videos for social media and fact sheets on several topics that MCA encourages partners to share and post. Public education ads will launch in the coming days.

MCA also published the “Marylanders Guide for Responsible Cannabis ConsumptionMarylander’s Guide for Responsible Cannabis Consumption,” containing crucial public safety and public health information and materials.

Please visit cannabis.maryland.gov for additional information.

Previous Conduit Street Coverage

County Public Safety Officials Prepare for Recreational Cannabis Launch This Saturday

MD Comptroller Issues Cannabis Tax Guidance

2023 End of Session Wrap-Up: Cannabis

At the MACo Summer Conference session, “Adult-Use Cannabis: Taxes, Zoning, and Safety – Oh My,” attendees will learn best practices for navigating the fast-changing political, social, and regulatory landscape of adult-use cannabis.

The 2023 MACo Summer Conference is August 16-19, 2023, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: