Maryland begins rolling out new cannabis legislation in phases

191 0

The new year will bring several new reforms to Maryland’s cannabis market

A new legislative session would be initiated by members of both houses of the Maryland Assembly, formalizing the legalization of cannabis for adults 21 years of age and older. The state’s voters made their opinion on the issue known in the midterm elections held in November, paving the way for this market to become a reality. In order to provide an organized rollout, the state said the legalization of the recreational market is beginning in phases as of yesterday.

Based on several laws that were enacted last year, the pros and cons of legal cannabis use will be modified throughout 2023. House Bill 1 and House Bill 837 were introduced by Delegate Luke Clippinger during the 2022 legislative session. After achieving the desired success, the measures took it upon themselves to put the referendum question binding, asking voters to express their thoughts on allowing up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana to be consumed.

These proposals also took on the task of decriminalizing marijuana use as of yesterday. The fundamental change means that anyone in possession of cannabis for non-medical purposes could be fined for a civil infraction, punishable by a fine. The legislation will begin to be adopted in the coming months and is expected to fully legalize the recreational use of cannabis on July 1.

Warnings will also be part of these laws. For example, marijuana will not be allowed to be consumed in public spaces, and marijuana growers will not be allowed to display marijuana plants in plain sight. Voters in the Old Line State showed strong support during the referendum two months ago. Nearly two-thirds of voters said “yes” to the legalization question when all ballots were counted.