The latest election has been a historic occasion for marijuana legalization. Assuming all the ballot measures are approved cannabis will now be legal recreationally in a third of all states. Talk about progress! With so many changing laws, you might be wondering about the state of weed legalization in your state.

For example, in Maryland, is marijuana legal? The state is close to DC where it recently became legal. So does the state enjoy the same status? In this article, we’ll answer this question and help you find a cannabis supplier in Maryland. Let’s get started!

Recreational Cannabis Remains Illegal in Maryland

Unfortunately, recreational marijuana has yet to become legal in Maryland. The rationale behind this decision is that Maryland is worried that they’ll see increased instances of driving under the influence of the substance becomes legal. However, the good news is that cannabis in the state is decriminalized.

So what exactly does it mean? Essentially it means that if you are caught with under ten grams of weed, then you won’t be sent to prison. Instead, first-time offenders will be given a $100 fine. While this is a step in the right direction, it may still be a while until recreational cannabis is legal in the state.

Medical Cannabis is Legal in Maryland

Luckily when House Bill 881 passed in Maryland in 2014, it became legal to obtain medical marijuana in the state. So what medical conditions qualify someone for a cannabis ID card in Maryland? According to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, these conditions include:

Wasting syndrome
Post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD)
Seizures
Anorexia
Severe pain
Cachexia
Severe or persistent muscle spasms
Chronic pain
Glaucoma
Severe nausea

If you suffer from any of these conditions, then you should be able to shop at any dispensaries in Maryland. However, you will need to follow some steps. First, you must register at the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission’s website. They’ll ask for some basic information like your full name, birthday, as well as a copy of a state-issued form of identification.

Once you do this, you must get a letter (also known as a certification) from a licensed health care worker. Keep in mind that not any old doctor will do. You must go to a professional that’s registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

Once you finish these two important steps, then you will be issued an official patient ID card. These are temporary until you get a permanent one. They also cost $50 to acquire. Once you get your ID card you can shop at any dispensary in the state.

Read Also: (Maryland’s 7 Best Marijuana Dispensaries)

Medical Possession Limits

However, you need to keep in mind that even if you do have an official cannabis patient ID card it’s not the open season when it comes to weed. There are still some laws you need to follow. According to these laws, you cannot possess more than one hundred twenty grams of weed, or 4.24 ounces, at any given time.

These laws also state that you can only purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary in Maryland. It won’t work in any other states with medical marijuana laws in place.

Also, if you’re under the age of eighteen, then you will need the consent of your parent or any legal guardian to purchase it. It should also go without saying that it’s illegal for medical marijuana cardholders to sell or give the product to someone without a card.

Home Cultivation Laws

Unfortunately, if you have a medical marijuana card and want to grow weed at home, then you’re out of luck. The state does not allow users to grow cannabis at home. Any patient who regularly uses weed as medication can only have a thirty-day supply of it at any given time.

Laws Around Weed Paraphernalia

Unfortunately, despite decriminalization, the state is still strict when it comes to paraphernalia. Paraphernalia is any device, like a bong or bowl, that’s used to smoke weed. If you’re caught selling paraphernalia in the state, then you can get a one-year prison sentence as well as a $1000 fine. The law is even more strict if you sell to minors — an eight-year sentence and a $15,000 fine.

How to Find Weed in Maryland

As we mentioned before, it’s important that you first register with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission and prove that you’re a citizen of the state.

After that, you can get your medical cannabis ID card which will allow you to purchase from any of the dispensaries in the state. If you want to find the best dispensaries, then make sure you consult our guide here. We list some of our favorites.

Finding Weed in Baltimore

Baltimore is close to Washington DC which gives it a great selection of dispensaries to choose from for Maryland medical marijuana. One of our favorite Baltimore options is Maggie’s Cannabis Clinic. The shop gives great recommendations and offers lots of great specials to choose from.

The Ethos dispensary also has some great options. Plus, you can order online and pick it up for a fast and contactless transaction. If you prefer high-end medical marijuana products, then make sure you visit Curio Wellness in Baltimore. We especially recommend this vendor if you enjoy edibles.

Want to Keep Up With the Latest Weed Legalization Laws? Keep Reading 420 DC

Do we hope this article helped you answer the question, “Is marijuana legal in Maryland?” While it’s disappointing that Maryland recreational marijuana still isn’t allowed, there are still some great medical options in the state. There are delivery and curbside pickup services available for registered patients through licensed dispensaries. Plus, Washington DC, where it’s legal, is just a short drive away.

If you want updates on the legal status of cannabis in Maryland, then you’re in the right place. 420 DC covers everything you need to know about weed news, as well as great tips for finding a smoke shop and product that you’ll love. Check out our Best of DC section to find some great options near you today.