Maryland recreational cannabis consumers unite: We can now purchase our favorite strains and marijuana products at dispensaries across Maryland. Like with any state, Maryland has its own rules that must be followed to ensure that purchase and possession limits are adhered to. Because we like to make it easy for all our canna-loving consumers, we’ve put together this guide to explain:

• Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Maryland?
• Who Can Purchase Cannabis Products in Maryland?
• What are the Cannabis Purchase & Possession Limits in Maryland?
• Where Can I Legally Purchase Cannabis Products in Maryland?
• FAQs About Purchasing Cannabis in Maryland
  
  

In early November of 2022, Maryland voters answered yes to the question of legalizing recreational cannabis. After what might have felt like a long wait, on July 1, 2023, recreational cannabis enthusiasts were allowed to make their first purchases at dispensaries across the state. The legalization of recreational marijuana led to a whopping $87 million in marijuana sales in just the first month.

Cannabis laws in Maryland state that if you’re an adult who is 21 or older, and you have a government-issued photo ID, you can purchase recreational cannabis products. The Old Line State also has a medical cannabis program that requires patients or their caregivers to qualify, get approval, and be registered to purchase medicinal cannabis.

While a dispensary will never allow you to purchase more than the mandated legal amount, it’s still important to know the rules in Maryland to avoid ending up on the wrong side of the legal system. In Maryland, the following limits apply:

• 1.5 Ounces of Flower Products: As a 21-year-old (or older) adult in Maryland, you can have up to 1.5 ounces of flower. Even if you’re a regular cannabis consumer, this should last you plenty of time between dispensary visits.
  
  

• 12 Grams of Cannabis Concentrates: Prefer concentrates? You can still get what you’re looking for in Maryland, but you’re not allowed to have more than 12 grams of marijuana concentrates at a time.
  
  

• 750 Milligrams of THC Total in Cannabis Products: Across all of your products, you’re only allowed to possess 750 mg of THC. If you plan on buying a mix of concentrates and flower, for instance, the two need to equal no more than 750 mg. Your budtender can help you if you’re unsure if you have too much THC in one purchase.
  
  

Additionally, anyone 21 or older can grow two marijuana plants at home, as long as they’re out of public view and inaccessible to anyone under 21. Medical marijuana patients can cultivate a total of four plants. That said, if you rent or lease your property, be sure to talk to the owner before growing any marijuana.

You may have driven past cannabis dispensaries already, but they were licensed for medical marijuana patients only. With the first run of adult-use dispensaries, Maryland has allowed medical marijuana dispensaries to expand into the world of recreational marijuana. This means it’s possible that a former medical marijuana-only dispensary now would allow you to shop there. In November, another round of licenses was opened for additional shops to join the recreational market. So it won’t be long before you see new shops open. To find a dispensary near you, check out Maryland’s list of approved dispensaries.

Because recreational sales only started in July of 2023, cannabis enthusiasts are still asking a lot of questions. To clarify a few things, we’ve included those questions and their answers here:

Do I need a medical card to buy marijuana in Maryland?
No, a medical marijuana card is not required to purchase cannabis in Maryland for recreational use. That said, if you would like to purchase medical marijuana as a medical marijuana patient, you will need to be registered and approved for a medical card. 

Are edibles legal in Maryland?
Yes, edibles are legal in Maryland for recreational use. You can purchase up to 750 mg of edible cannabis products in the state.

Does Maryland have recreational dispensaries?
Yes, Maryland has recreational dispensaries where adults aged 21 and older can legally purchase cannabis products provided they have a government-issued photo ID.

Maryland has made the process of purchasing recreational marijuana relatively simple compared to other states. The medical marijuana dispensaries that have been serving patients’ needs have been allowed to open their doors to recreational consumers too. Soon, another crop of recreational-only dispensaries will be applying for licensure and opening their doors. Before long, it’ll be easier than ever to get the marijuana products you love across the Free State.