Maryland Cannabis Laws 2026: What's Legal for Adults and Patients

Maryland voters approved recreational cannabis with Question 4 in November 2022, with about 67% of the vote. Legal possession and licensed sales started on July 1, 2023. Medical cannabis has been legal since 2013. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) regulates both markets.

Is weed legal in Maryland?

Yes, for adults 21 and older. Bring a valid ID showing you're 21+. Visitors can buy too.

How much can you carry?

Amount	What happens
Up to 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrate, or 750 mg of THC in products	Legal (the "personal use amount")
More than 1.5 ounces up to 2.5 ounces of flower	A civil fine of up to $250
More than 2.5 ounces	A misdemeanor

Where can you use it?

Private property, with the owner's permission. Using cannabis in public, including in a car, brings a civil fine of up to $250. Landlords can ban smoking.

Can you grow cannabis at home?

Yes, a little. Adults 21+ can grow 2 plants per household, no matter how many adults live there. Plants must be out of public view and secured from people under 21. Growing more is a misdemeanor.

Medical cannabis in Maryland

Patients with a qualifying condition can register with the MCA. Medical purchases are exempt from the 12% cannabis tax, and patients can buy more than adult-use customers.

Taxes on cannabis in Maryland

Adult-use purchases carry a 12% cannabis sales tax, raised from 9% on July 1, 2025. There are no extra local cannabis taxes. Medical purchases are exempt.

Driving and work

Driving impaired is illegal, and using cannabis in a car is banned for drivers and passengers. Employers can keep drug-free workplace policies.

Old marijuana convictions

Maryland automatically expunged many old possession charges after legalization, and in June 2024 Governor Moore pardoned more than 175,000 cannabis convictions, one of the largest mass pardons in the country.

Is anything changing in 2026?

No major changes to Maryland's possession limits or home-grow rules took effect in 2026 that we're aware of. The 12% tax rate continues.

Federal law in 2026

Federal law still treats recreational cannabis as illegal. In April 2026, the federal government moved marijuana sold under a state medical license (and FDA-approved cannabis medicines) to Schedule III, but adult-use cannabis is still Schedule I. That means it's still banned on federal land and can't legally cross state lines, even between two legal states.

Separately, a federal ban on intoxicating hemp products takes effect in two steps: synthetic and converted cannabinoids like delta-8 lose their legal status on November 12, 2026, and naturally derived hemp THC (THCA flower, hemp delta-9 edibles and drinks) on December 11, 2026.

Where to buy legally

Browse dispensaries in Maryland in our directory, including Baltimore, Frederick and Nottingham.

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, so check the official sources below before you rely on any detail.