A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Cannabis in Maryland: Key Facts and Insights

Legal Cannabis has just successfully expanded to a new state with the latest bill which just went into effect in Maryland. Here is what you need to know about the new rules and restrictions which went into effect Friday June 30th.

1.  100 New Recreational Dispensaries Open Right Now

To the start of the new regulations, the state of Maryland has granted the right to sell recreational cannabis products to 100 dispensaries, all of them were previously selling medical cannabis and have added recreational sale to their services. This has helped the expedite transition to recreational use.

 

2. Cannabis Cafes Opening too 

Maryland is joining a small handful of states allowing for the opening of on-site use cannabis facilities. The first of which is already opening as it transitions from being a medical only cannabis cafe. These cafes are attempting to follow the highly successful model of similar weed cafes in Amsterdam allowing people especially those without a permanent residence in Maryland a safe legal space to get stoned and vibe. Café owners are also looking into getting licenses to sell food and alcohol on site too so look out for that.

3. Adult Use Limits 

Maryland has adopted some pretty standard regulations on possession and use. Adults 21 years and up are permitted to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis products. As expected you are not allowed to cross state lines with cannabis in your possession but it’s unclear how this will work with Washington D.C.’s gray market right now. 

4. Taxes and Funding 

Recreational Cannabis in Maryland will be taxed at 9% with medical cannabis retaining its tax free status. 5% of that tax will go to Maryland counties for their budgets but 35% of it will be put into a community reinvestment fund to help communities and individuals affected by prosecution during the war on drugs. All individuals with cannabis related charges will be eligible to petition for resentencing and those serving non-consecutive sentences will be released from incarceration. 

 

5. Dispensaries to Check Out Now

Once you’re ready to fight the crowds and explore the new market here are some dispensaries in MD open now  to check out: 

  • Green Goods Frederick, great prices lots of specials, not too far from the borders of DC and Virginia

  • Curaleaf Reisterstown, Curaleaf is quickly becoming a big name for dispensaries on the East Coast, locations in most of the legal states this side of the country they also have a rewards program so you can get benefits wherever you shop. 

  • Sweet Buds Frederick, Check out this woman owned local business for top shelf bud and daily specials. 

Bryan Bluntdispensary guides, Culture