Adult-Use Cannabis

In Maryland, adults aged 21 years or older may legally possess and consume cannabis products. SMCHD is committed to preventing the misuse of cannabis by utilizing the best available evidence and resources to educate and support community members and cannabis retailers.

Cannabis Legalization Laws – What You Should Know

Use Laws

Cannabis may only be smoked in your residence. Maryland will not regulate landlord policies regarding cannabis use. Smoking cannabis is not permitted in indoor and outdoor public spaces, including parks and playgrounds, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, moving cars, and public transportation (buses, vans, trains, cabs, limousines).

Personal Use Amount

Cannabis products may be purchased from licensed dispensaries in Maryland by a person if they display a government-issued photo ID at the point of sale that demonstrates they are 21 years or older. Individuals can only purchase up to the personal use amount authorized under law. This amount is up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower (including joints and pre-rolls), 12 grams of concentrated cannabis (vape products), or a total amount of edible cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC.

Growing Cannabis

A person 21 years or older may lawfully cultivate up to two plants in their home, out of public view. Likewise, a household may cultivate a maximum of two plants, regardless of how many persons over age 21 live there. Medical patients registered with the Maryland Cannabis Administration can cultivate two additional plants for a total of four plants.

Driving high can lead to a DUI

Using cannabis while driving (by a driver or passenger) and impaired driving remain illegal under Maryland law. Law enforcement officers can make a cannabis DUI arrest if they observe impairment using a standard field sobriety testing (roadside test) method. Let’s keep Maryland safe and plan before using cannabis. Learn more with this Cannabis and Driving Don’t Mix fact sheet.

Cannabis Education

Are there health risks associated with adult-use cannabis?

The health impacts of cannabis use are not fully known. Studies have linked cannabis use, especially frequent use, with cannabis use disorder and addiction, anxiety and paranoia, and psychosis. People who smoke or vape cannabis regularly, even without tobacco, are more likely to experience irritation or inflammation in the lining of the lungs. Secondhand cannabis smoke may also pose health risks as it has been found to contain many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke.

What should parents know about youth use of cannabis?

Cannabis use can harm the health and well-being of youth and young adults. Cannabis use may permanently affect the developing brain, especially with regular or heavy use. Parents, caregivers, and trusted adults should discourage youth and young adults from using cannabis; should not consume cannabis in front of youth or young adults; and should always keep cannabis out of sight and locked if it is stored in the home. See the Storing Cannabis Safely fact sheet.

Is it safe to use cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Being legal does not mean a product is safe for anyone to use. Much is unknown about the short and long-term effects of cannabis use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend NOT using any type of cannabis (including CBD) while pregnant or breastfeeding. See the Cannabis and Pregnancy & Breastfeeding fact sheet.