Maryland surrounds Washington DC, a district that passed legislation to legalize marijuana. In 2022, Maryland also legalized possession, which goes into effect on July 1, 2023. Until then, marijuana is not legal in Maryland, but possession is decriminalized. There’s also a medical marijuana program. Growing small amounts of weed in Maryland is treated as possession.
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Medical marijuana in Maryland
In 2014, Maryland passed legislation to approve a medical marijuana program.
It covers a 30-day supply for patients with Cachexia, Anorexia, or Wasting Syndrome, Chronic Pain, Nausea, Seizures or severe or persistent muscle spasms. It does not include edible forms of marijuana.
Maryland’s current medical marijuana program is fairly restrictive and does not allow for caregivers or home growing.
Patients must utilize dispensaries. Growing weed in Maryland for medical reasons is something the state was not willing to allow, however this will change once legalization goes into effect.
Maryland Laws
Maryland currently decriminalizes the possession of marijuana that is less than 10 grams. Possession of a plant is the same as possession of dried smokable herb or hash. Once recreational marijuana is legal, those 21 and older may grow up to two cannabis plants per household.
Decriminalization means possession is not criminal if it is less than 2.5 ounces. For possession between 1.5 and 2.5 ounces, there’s a maximum $250 civil fine. For possession of more than 2.5 ounces, the fine increases to a maximum of $1000 or six months in jail.
While it is true that Maryland has relaxed their marijuana laws, the police aren’t always on the same page, especially for newly passed laws. Although the state has decriminalized, the police are still very likely to arrest first and ask questions later. Of course, some things will definitely put you in jail – such as carrying a large amount of weed.
Possession of 50 lbs of marijuana or more will send you to jail for at least five years.
Maryland is decriminalized, but don’t push your luck. Soon, Maryland will allow legal growing of up to two cannabis plants in your household. However, currently, those with a medical need for marijuana may face a $1000 charge if caught growing a couple of plants. A slap on the wrist is not a guarantee, especially if they can find anything else to charge you with. Consult a lawyer and ask if this is your situation.
Growing Marijuana in Maryland
When Question 4 goes into effect (on July 1, 2023), Maryland residents can grow up to two marijuana plants per household kept out of public view. Here’s something else to consider:
A single plant can easily produce 40 grams. Some strains will produce more than the future 2.5-ounce recreational limit.
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If you are growing in this state, you must consider your risks. A couple of dozen plants could mean jail time. According to the Maryland General Assembly Department of Legislative Services 2022 Session, possessing cannabis in sufficient quantity to reasonably indicate under all circumstances an intent to distribute or dispense cannabis” is “a misdemeanor and subject to a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine”. That’s not something to sneeze at and definitely not advised!
Medical Growing in Maryland
Before dispensaries were operational, it was challenging to find legal weed.
Patients couldn’t risk bringing it in from other legal states. If they did, there was a potential trafficking charge.
However, things will soon change. Medical patients can purchase from dispensaries, adults can soon purchase from recreational dispensaries, and growing will soon be an option as well.
Maryland has legalized marijuana and is taking steps toward freedom of weed for all.
FAQs About Growing Weed in Maryland
Is growing medical marijuana legalized in Maryland?
Not yet, but it will be very soon.! Starting on July 1, 2023, when Question 4 takes effect, you can legally grow up to two marijuana plants per household.
How much marijuana do Maryland laws allow to legally possess?
Possessing less than 10 grams of weed is decriminalized. Soon, you can possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana, penalty-free, starting July 1st, 2023. If you possess between 1.5 ounces and 2.5 ounces, you can be subject to a maximum fine of $250.
What’s the jail time for possessing large amounts of marijuana in Maryland?
Possession of more than 2.5 ounces has a maximum fine of $1,000 and is subject to up to six months in jail.
Possession of more than 2.5 ounces with the intent to distribute, is a misdemeanor and subject to a maximum of three years in prison.
What’s your experience with marijuana in Maryland? Let us know in the comments!
Jenny
Thats bullshit! For just six plants! Thats enough medicine to last you maybe 6 months! Someone def snitched… Dam Gulag state.
Maryland doesnt border any anti pot states anymore! Let the weed be free!!!! Over grow the Govt!
Very sorry to hear it. Not that it matters but are you a MD MMJ patient? It’s incredible that we arent allowed to grow our own as patients. what was your final “punishment”?
Well from personally Spending 35 k to defend a grow of 6 plants Was xoming off opoids they didnt care still go pbj for year ,took my guns and its a felony to grow 1 plant in this fucked up state
Cnjkk – are you in Maryland? what was the final penalty in your case?
Josh – I wish your information was correct, but MMCC explicitly says no home cultivation. where did you get your 2 plant information?
Your info is wrong. Coming from
A guy that has gotten the weed ticket from maryland Police. I have gotten two. First $50 second $50. Heard after two its a problem. But As said just what i heard.
Says the fucking idiot that obviously knows nothing about marijuana in Maryland..
There ARE laws against growing. Its called manufacturing. It doesn’t matter how much your plant weighs. Growing is a felony in the state of Maryland without proper medical identification.
Medical users are allowed 2 plants at a time. Non medical, zero..
This is wrong. I got caught with only 2 plants in my apartment and was charged with felony manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance and i have my medical card.
If you’re caught growing any amount of marijuana in Md, you could be charged with intent to distribute. Could be a slap on the wrist or could be worse depending on your lawyer or prosecutor.
i thought it was under a 1/2 ounce and it was a fine period end of story. For the person talking bout growing and it is completely illegal i would love to see the recent law that states it, and would love a link to the mandate, law, by law etc etc
in addition maryland has already set up their website for registration for canabis for medical. mmcc.md.gov i believe. In the near future they will be releasing dispeneries that are allowed to disperse the stuff. The current issue is that you cant technically bring the weed from out of state so it must all be grown in the state of MD.
That’s bullshit. If you get caught growing in the police state of Maryland they have a nice little charge called manufacturing.!