Traveling across the country in a small van

Maryland Cannabis Laws Medical marijuana has been legal in Maryland since 2013, but adult-use has yet to be legalized. In this post, we’re covering the top 5 Maryland cannabis laws you need to know to stay compliant this year. You can find the full Maryland cannabis statute and the full Maryland regulations,

Medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, operating through the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Recreational cannabis is illegal in the state, but possession of 10 grams or less has been decriminalized. The MMCC is the regulatory agency for medical cannabis in Maryland. This regulatory agency covers all policies, procedures, and regulations for medical cannabis in Maryland. Metrc is Maryland’s track and trace system.

Law : Qualifying patient (g)(1)(i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a qualifying patient may be a patient of the certifying provider or may be referred to the certifying provider. (ii) A referral of a patient to a certifying provider under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may not be made by any person or entity employed, contracted, volunteering, or compensated by any form of remuneration, gift, donation, or bartering to register individuals as qualifying patients, to complete application forms, or to assist individuals in completing application forms to become qualifying patients, or to transport or deliver to the Commission application forms for individuals seeking to become qualifying patients.

(2) A certifying provider shall provide each written certification to the Commission. (3) On receipt of a written certification provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall issue an identification card to each qualifying patient or caregiver named in the written certification.

(4) A certifying provider may discuss medical cannabis with a patient. (5)(i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a qualifying patient or caregiver may obtain medical cannabis only from a medical cannabis grower licensed by the Commission or a dispensary licensed by the Commission.

• Ii) A qualifying patient under the age of 18 years may obtain medical cannabis only through: 1.
• The qualifying patient’s caregiver; or 2.
• Any designated school personnel authorized to administer medical cannabis to a student in accordance with the guidelines established under § 7-446 of the Education Article.

(6)(i) A caregiver may serve no more than five qualifying patients at any time. (ii) Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a qualifying patient may have no more than two caregivers. (iii) A qualifying patient under the age of 18 years may have no more than four caregivers.

7) Any designated school personnel described in paragraph (5)(ii) of this subsection: (i) May administer to a student only medical cannabis: 1. That is obtained through the student’s caregiver; and 2. In accordance with dosing, timing, and delivery route instructions as provided by the certifying provider’s written instructions; and (ii) Are not required to register with the Commission under this subtitle.

(8) Beginning June 1, 2020, a caregiver may administer medical cannabis to a student who is a qualifying patient of the caregiver on school property, during school-sponsored activities, and while on a school bus. Explained :

Patients can be the certified provider’s patient or be referred to the certifying provider, so long as the referral is not made by anyone compensated or related to the commission. Providers must give written certification to the Commission for patients to receive an ID card. Qualifying patients can only get cannabis from a licensed medical cannabis grower or dispensary. Qualifying patients under 18 years of age can obtain medical cannabis via their caregiver or any designated, authorized school personnel. One caregiver can serve a maximum of 5 patients at a time. Qualifying patients above 18 can have no more than 2 caregivers. Qualifying patients under 18 can have no more than 4 caregivers. Designated school personnel can administer cannabis provided by the student’s caregiver according to the provider’s dosing instructions.

Law : § 13-3307. Dispensary license requirements (Effective: May 8, 2020) In general (a)(1) A dispensary shall be licensed by the Commission. (2)(i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, beginning December 1, 2024, the Commission may report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, on the number of licenses necessary to meet the demand for medical cannabis by qualifying patients and caregivers issued identification cards under this subtitle in an affordable, accessible, secure, and efficient manner.

1. Ii) Before the Commission determines to submit the report described under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the Commission shall provide the Legislative Policy Committee at least 30 days to submit comments to the Commission.
2. Application form, contents, and fee (b) To be licensed as a dispensary, an applicant shall submit to the Commission: (1) An application fee in an amount to be determined by the Commission consistent with this subtitle; and (2) An application that includes: (i) The legal name and physical address of the proposed dispensary; (ii) The name, address, and date of birth of each principal officer and each director, none of whom may have served as a principal officer or director for a dispensary that has had its license revoked; and (iii) Operating procedures that the dispensary will use, consistent with Commission regulations for oversight, including storage of cannabis and products containing cannabis only in enclosed and locked facilities.

Application review process (c)(1) The Commission shall: (i) Establish an application review process for granting dispensary licenses in which applications are reviewed, evaluated, and ranked based on criteria established by the Commission; (ii) To the extent permitted by federal and State law, actively seek to achieve racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity when licensing dispensaries; and (iii) Encourage applicants who qualify as a minority business enterprise, as defined in § 14-301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, or who are small, minority, or women-owned business entities to apply for licensure as dispensaries.

(2) Beginning June 1, 2018, a dispensary licensed under this subtitle shall report annually to the Commission on: (i) The number of minority and women owners of the dispensary; (ii) The ownership interest of any minority and women owners of the dispensary; and (iii) The number of minority and women employees of the dispensary.

Limit on ownership of multiple dispensaries (d) The Commission shall allow a person to have an ownership interest in or control of, including the power to manage and operate, up to four dispensaries under this section. Duration of license (e)(1) A dispensary license is valid for 6 years on initial licensure.

1. 2) A dispensary license is valid for 4 years on renewal.
2. Purchase under § 13-3304.1 (f) The Commission shall allow a dispensary licensed under this section or a dispensary agent registered under § 13-3308 of this subtitle to acquire, possess, transfer, transport, sell, distribute, or dispense edible cannabis products for use by a qualifying patient, a caregiver, or an academic research representative purchasing medical cannabis under § 13-3304.1 of this subtitle.

Immunity of licensed dispensaries and dispensary agents (g) A dispensary licensed under this section or a dispensary agent registered under § 13-3308 of this subtitle may not be penalized or arrested under State law for acquiring, possessing, transferring, transporting, selling, distributing, or dispensing medical cannabis, products containing medical cannabis, related supplies, or educational materials for use by a qualifying patient, a caregiver, or an academic research representative purchasing medical cannabis under § 13-3304.1 of this subtitle.

• Security and product handling procedures (h) The Commission shall establish requirements for security and product handling procedures that a dispensary must meet to obtain a license under this section, including a requirement for a producttracking system.
• Inspection of licensed dispensaries (i) The Commission may inspect a dispensary licensed under this section to ensure compliance with this subtitle.

Regulations and permits (j) The Commission, in consultation with the Department, shall adopt regulations to require a dispensary to meet any additional requirements that the Commission determines are necessary, including requiring a permit, for the dispensing of edible cannabis products.

Penalties or rescission of license for noncompliance (k) The Commission may impose penalties or rescind the license of a dispensary that does not meet the standards for licensure set by the Commission. Quarterly reporting requirements (l)(1) Each dispensary licensed under this section shall submit to the Commission a quarterly report.

(2) The quarterly report shall include: (i) The number of patients served; (ii) The county of residence of each patient served; (iii) The medical condition for which medical cannabis was recommended; (iv) The type and amount of medical cannabis dispensed; and (v) If available, a summary of clinical outcomes, including adverse events and any cases of suspected diversion.

Dispensary applicants must submit:

An application fee. Legal name and physical address of the proposed dispensary. Name, address, and date of birth for each principal officer and direct (none of which have been associated with a dispensary that had its license revoked. Intended operating procedures.

The commission must encourage applicants who qualify as a minority business enterprise. Dispensaries must report the number of minority and women owners, ownership interest of any minority or women owners, and the number of minority and women employees. The report on minority owners and employees is due to the Commission on or before June 1 and failure to submit the Annual report may result in a fine of up to $5,000 per violation, license suspension or revocation, or both.

Annual Report on Minority and Women Owners and Employees can be found,

One person can have ownership or interest in up to 4 dispensaries. Dispensary licenses are valid for 6 years initially, and 4 years upon renewal. Dispensary agents cannot be penalized or arrested to transporting marijuana to a qualifying patient, caregiver, or representative purchasing the product. The commission can inspect dispensaries and penalize or revoke licenses in response to non-compliance. Additional, quarterly reports are required and must include:Quarterly reports cannot include any identifying patient information.

Law : In general (a) A dispensary agent shall: (1) Be at least 21 years old; (2) Be registered with the Commission before the agent may volunteer or work for a dispensary; and (3) Obtain a State and national criminal history records check in accordance with § 13-3312 of this subtitle.

Application for registration card (b) A dispensary shall apply to the Commission for a registration card for each dispensary agent by submitting the name, address, and date of birth of the agent. Notification requirements (c)(1) Within 1 business day after a dispensary agent ceases to be associated with a dispensary, the dispensary shall: (i) Notify the Commission; and (ii) Return the dispensary agent’s registration card to the Commission.

(2) On receipt of a notice described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall: (i) Immediately revoke the registration card of the dispensary agent; and (ii) If the registration card was not returned to the Commission, notify the Department of State Police.

Restrictions (d) The Commission may register an individual who has been convicted of a felony drug offense as a dispensary agent unless: (1) Except as provided in item (2) of this subsection, the individual submitted an application under subsection (b) of this section earlier than 7 years after the individual satisfied the sentence imposed for the conviction, including parole, probation, or mandatory supervision; (2) The individual has been convicted of a violation of § 5-612 or § 5-613 of the Criminal Law Article, regardless of whether the individual has satisfactorily completed the sentence for the offense; or (3) The Commission finds a substantial reason to deny the registration.

Explained: Dispensary agents must:

Be at least 21 years old. Register with the Commission before working or volunteering at a dispensary. Obtain a background check. A dispensary must require a prospective dispensary agent to submit to a drug screen before commencement of association.

Law : § 13-3313.1. Advertisements (Effective: May 13, 2019) In general (a) All advertisements for medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, edible cannabis products, or medical cannabis-related services that make therapeutic or medical claims shall: (1) Be supported by substantial clinical evidence or substantial clinical data; and (2) Include information on the most significant side effects or risks associated with the use of cannabis.

Prohibitions (b) An advertisement for a grower, a processor, a dispensary, an independent testing laboratory, a certifying provider, or a third-party vendor may not: (1) Make any statement that is false or misleading in any material way or is otherwise a violation of §§ 13-301 through 13-320 of the Commercial Law Article; or (2) Contain a design, an illustration, a picture, or a representation that: (i) Encourages or represents the recreational use of cannabis; (ii) Targets or is attractive to minors, including a cartoon character, a mascot, or any other depiction that is commonly used to market products to minors; (iii) Displays the use of cannabis, including the consumption, smoking, or vaping of cannabis; (iv) Encourages or promotes cannabis for use as an intoxicant; or (v) Are obscene.

Qualifying patient (c) All advertising for medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, or edible cannabis products shall include a statement that the product is for use only by a qualifying patient. Age-screening (d)(1) Any website owned, managed, or operated by a certifying provider, dispensary, grower, or processor shall employ a neutral age-screening mechanism that verifies that the user is at least 18 years of age, including by using an age-gate, age-screen, or age verification mechanism.

• 2) An advertisement placed on social media or a mobile application shall include a notification that: (i) A person must be at least 18 years old to view the content; and (ii) Medical cannabis is for use by certified patients only.
• Application (e)(1) This subsection does not apply to an advertisement placed on property owned or leased by a dispensary, grower, or processor.

(2) Any advertisement for medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, edible cannabis products, or medical cannabis-related services may not be placed within 500 feet of: (i) A substance abuse or treatment facility; (ii) A primary or secondary school in the State or a child care center licensed or a family child care home registered under Title 9.5 of the Education Article; or (iii) A playground, recreation center, library, or public park.

Regulations (f) The Commission shall adopt regulations to establish: (1) Procedures for the enforcement of this section; and (2) A process for an individual to voluntarily submit an advertisement to the Commission for an advisory opinion on whether the advertisement complies with the restrictions on advertisements for medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, edible cannabis products, and medical cannabis-related services.

Explained :

Advertisements must be supported by clinical evidence or data and must include the most significant side effects or risks associated with cannabis use. The following is prohibited:

False or misleading statements. Designs, illustrations, pictures, or representations that:

Encourage or represent the recreational use of cannabis. Target or appeal to minors, including a cartoon character, mascot, or any other depiction that is commonly used to market products to minors. Display the consumption, smoking, vaping, or other use of cannabis. Encourages or promotes cannabis for use as an intoxicant. Are obscene.

Advertising must include a statement explaining that the product is limited to use by qualifying patients. Websites must employ a neutral age-screening mechanism that filters out individuals under 18. Social media or mobile application advertisements must include a notification that viewers must be 18 years or older and medical cannabis is for use by certified patients only.

A substance abuse or treatment facility. A primary or secondary school, child care center, or family child care home. A playground, recreation center, library, or public park.

A Medical Cannabis Advertising Guide can be found and Advertising FAQs can be found, Law: The standard amount certification issued by a provider for a patient identifies the quantity of dried flower and/or THC that the patient can purchase in a given 30-day period.

The standard amount is 120 grams of dried flower or 36 grams of a THC product, however, a provider may certify a patient for more or less than the standard amount. The amount available for purchase is calculated on a rolling 30-day cycle. That is, the amount that a patient may purchase on any given day is calculated as the certified amount minus the total of all purchases made within the last 30 days.

The 30-day cycle is not based on the calendar month. Explained :

Patients can purchase 120 grams of usable cannabis (primarily dried flower) or 36 grams of THC as a 30-day supply. The patient’s provider can provide a written statement certify a patient for a specific amount, whether it be more or less than this purchase limit. The 30-day cycle operates on a rolling basis, not monthly. To calculate a daily purchase limit, take the amount the patient is certified for and subtract the amount they purchased in the last 30 days.

Adult-use cannabis is currently not legal in Maryland. Cannabis is not taxed in Maryland. Maryland patients can purchase 120 grams of usable cannabis (primarily dried flower) or 36 grams of THC product within a 30-day period. The patient’s provider can provide a written statement certifying a patient for a specific amount, whether it be more or less than this purchase limit.

Yes! Flowhub was the first integrator with Metrc, so we have a deep understanding of how to keep your dispensary compliant. We also are compliant with Maryland’s cannabis regulations. Disclaimer: The material contained on this website and any attached or referenced pages has been compiled by Flowhub for informational purposes only.

It is not intended to be and is not considered to be legal advice. This post is current as of 11/9/2021. Cannabis regulations are rapidly changing, and legal advice of any nature should be sought from legal counsel. Can your dispensary POS system handle all the unique Maryand regulations? Watch a demo to see how Flowhub helps you stay compliant. : Maryland Cannabis Laws

How much weed can you have in Maryland with a medical card?

Maryland medical marijuana laws By law, qualified medical patients may possess a 30-day supply of up to 120 grams for personal medical use (primarily dried flower), or up to 36 grams of THC, according to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC).

Are bongs illegal in Maryland?

Marijuana Possession Laws – The state of Maryland enacted Senate Bill 364, which seeks to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Maryland has lowered the penalties for possession of less than 10 grams of the substance to a civil penalty and fine, similar to those handed out for parking violations.

Those found to be in possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana previously faced a misdemeanor charge that could result in 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. A first offense will result in a fine that can be no more than $100. For those arrested for a second or third offense, the fine can increase to $500.

Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as bongs, pipes, and rolling papers, is still a criminal offense. Those who are under 20 years of age face the above-mentioned fines and drug education classes. You can read the full text of the senate bill, Defendants found to be in possession of more than 10 grams and less than 50 pounds of marijuana – and who planned to use the substance personally – can face a maximum punishment of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Is it illegal to smoke weed outside in Maryland?

Where is it safe to consume cannabis? – Cannabis consumption must take place on private property. Consuming cannabis in public, in a parked or moving vehicle, or where smoking is forbidden is against the law. Riding a bicycle under the influence of cannabis also is illegal.

Can you own a gun and have a medical card in Maryland 2022?

Does Having a Medical Cannabis Card Mean Not Being Eligible for a Gun License in Maryland? – Yes. According to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), gun ownership, possession, or acquisition by medical marijuana patients is still illegal, due to the following reasons:

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) still lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug and declares use to be unlawful.The Gun Control Act of 1968 forbids the use of restricted substances while owning a firearm.

Maryland residents are still subject to federal law on medical marijuana and gun laws because the state has not yet passed legislation to safeguard gun owners’ rights. In 2019, SB97 was approved by the Senate, but not by the House Judiciary Committee.

Can you smoke and drive in Maryland?

Driving under the influence of alcohol is unsafe and illegal. You have probably heard of or seen accidents occur due to intoxicated driving. It is easy for someone to get a DUI if they have been drinking for hours or have consumed hard alcohol. Much awareness has been brought to the ongoing issue of intoxicated driving.

1. You learn from driving school, friends, and family that it is illegal to drink and drive, but is it possible to get a marijuana DUI? With the legalization of marijuana in many states across the country, many feel that it is acceptable to drive after smoking.
2. Driving after using marijuana is not publicized as often as drinking and driving.

Therefore, people may assume that it is ok to use marijuana and drive, but it is not! Most people consider “being under the influence” a relation to alcohol use. Little do people know that marijuana use can also qualify one to be “under the influence.” With states legalizing the use of marijuana, people may think that it is acceptable to use the drug and drive, but it is very unsafe.

Is it illegal to drive high in Maryland?

Differences Between Marijuana-Related Cases & Other DUIs – Marijuana-related drug DUI cases are exactly the same as drug DUI cases that involve drugs that are deemed more dangerous by the state. Even though marijuana decriminalized in Maryland, at least for possession of less than 10 grams, driving impaired by marijuana still would be considered a,

One of the differences between cases involving different drugs could be the level of impairment exhibited by the driver. It can be a lot harder to show a significant degree of impairment from marijuana than it might be from heroin, for example, just because marijuana is significantly less impairing than heroin is.

When marijuana was decriminalized in Maryland, we actually expected to see a lot more 21-902 D cases with marijuana and those expectations really haven’t been met—at least not after the first year of decriminalization. It may be fairly safe to say that marijuana DUI cases may be treated less severely because it’s difficult to perceive impairment when marijuana is involved.

Is it illegal to smoke in your car in Maryland?

5. Vehicle Smoking is permitted in a vehicle while being used in the course of employment and occupied by only one individual.

Can you smoke in public in Maryland?

Mar​yland’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 – Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 was signed into law on May 17, 2007. The purpose of the Act is to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Public meeting places Public transportation vehiclesIndoor places of employment

Regulatory authority:

Department of Health (for public areas) ​Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (for workplaces, especially those not generally open to the public)

The Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor workplaces in order to “preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.” law provides for fair and consistent statewide protection from exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor settings. ​

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Maryland?

In the state of Maryland, the only way to consume cannabis legally is with a Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) Identity Card. The way to get started is to register online at the MMCC website before speaking to a physician. This will start the application process in Maryland.

Is it easy to get a medical card in Maryland?

Apply for a Maryland Medical Marijuana Card. Getting started only takes a few minutes. Simply sign up, answer a few questions, and schedule your appointment. Everything should be this easy.

Does having a medical card show up on a background check Maryland?

Will a medical marijuana card show up on a background check? – The short answer is no, it won’t. Medical marijuana cards can only be obtained through a doctor, meaning HIPAA law prevents this information from being disclosed. Because medical marijuana cards are technically part of a candidate’s health records, this information cannot be shared.

Does MD have a magazine capacity limit?

Summary of Maryland gun laws and regulations –

Subject/Law	Long Guns	Handguns	Relevant Statutes	Notes
State permit required to purchase?	No	Yes	Md Public Safety Article Section 5-117.1	A Handgun Qualification License is required, unless exempted (Active Duty/Retired Military with identification cards, Active/Retired Law Enforcement with department credentials, Federal Firearms Licensees); training is required, unless exempted; fingerprints are required; background checks are required; does not invalidate the requirement to perform a comprehensive background check for every handgun purchase transaction.
Firearm registration?	No	Yes		The state police maintain a permanent record of all handgun transfers. Automatic weapons must be registered with the state police.
Owner license required?	No	No
Permit required for concealed carry?	N/A	Yes		Maryland is a de jure “may issue” state for concealed carry, but in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in, Governor Larry Hogan directed law enforcement to cease enforcement of the “good and substantial reason” requirement to obtain a concealed carry permit. As a result, Maryland is de facto a “shall issue” state.
Permit required for open carry?	No	Yes		Open carry is permitted with a carry license, but is not generally practiced except by uniformed private security officers. Long guns and antique handguns may be carried openly without a license.
State preemption of local restrictions?	Yes	Yes		Maryland has state preemption for most but not all firearm laws.
Assault weapon law?	Yes	Yes	Md Criminal Law Article Section 4-303	Certain models of firearms are banned as assault pistols and assault long guns. It is illegal to possess an assault weapon or a copycat weapon with two or more specified features (folding stock, grenade/flare launcher, flash suppressor) unless owned before 10/1/2013, or received through inheritance from a lawful possessor and not otherwise forbidden to possess. Some local counties have adopted resolutions in opposition to assault weapon laws.
Magazine capacity restriction?	Yes	Yes		Illegal to purchase, sell or manufacture magazines with a capacity of greater than 10 rounds within Maryland. However, possession of magazines greater than 10 rounds is legal if purchased out of state. These may not, however, be transferred to a subsequent owner unless done so outside the state of Maryland.
weapons restricted?	No	No		Automatic firearms, SBSs, and SBRs must be owned in compliance with federal law. Law is silent in regards to DDs, suppressors, and AOWs.
Background checks required for private sales?	Partial	Yes		All private transfers of regulated firearms (handguns or assault weapons) must be processed through a licensed dealer or designated law enforcement agency which must conduct a background check on the buyer.
Red flag law?	Yes	Yes

Gun laws in Maryland ConstitutionConstitution sections Synopsis Art.28. That a well regulated Militia is the proper and natural defence of a free Government. Preemption and local regulationPreemption sections Synopsis

• Local governments are prohibited from regulating the purchase, sale, taxation, transfer, manufacture, repair, ownership, possession and transportation of handguns, rifles, shotguns and ammunition, with some exceptions.
• Local governments are prohibited from regulating possession, sale, rental, or transfer of “regulated firearms.”
  • Regulated firearms are handguns and specific and their copies.
• Localities may regulate the purchase, sale, transfer, ownership, possession and transportation of such firearms and ammunition with respect to minors; law enforcement officials of the local government; and activities in or within 100 yards of “a park, church, school, public building, and other place of public assembly.”
• Localities may regulate the discharge of firearms, but not at “established ranges.”
• Localities may regulate the sale of trigger locks with handguns.
• To the extent that a local law does not create an inconsistency with this section or expand existing regulatory control, a county, municipal corporation, or special taxing district may exercise its existing authority to amend any local law that existed on or before December 31, 1984.

Local regulation sectionsSee below for existing local regulations.RegistrationOwnership registration sections Synopsis

• Machine guns must be registered with the State yearly.
• Assault pistols are prohibited; except:
  • Assault pistols lawfully possessed before June 1, 1994 and registered before August 1, 1994.

Purchase registration sections Synopsis

“Regulated firearm” means:

1. a handgun; or
2. specific assault weapons or their copies

• The Secretary shall maintain a permanent record of all notifications received of completed sales, rentals, and transfers of regulated firearms in the State.
• Annapolis requires dealers to keep a register of persons purchasing ammunition and certain firearms, along with the make, model, caliber, and date.

Restricted or prohibited itemsRestricted firearms sections Synopsis

• Assault pistols are prohibited; except:
  • Assault pistols lawfully possessed before June 1, 1994 and registered before August 1, 1994.

Restricted accessories sections Synopsis

• Detachable magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition may not be made, sold, purchased, or transferred. Possession is not prohibited.
  • This law does not apply to,22 caliber rifles with tubular magazines that have a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Restricted or prohibited placesRestricted places sections Synopsis

• Public school property, except certain persons.
• Demonstrations in a public place or in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of such demonstrations, except certain persons.
• Aircraft engaged in certificated air commerce services, except certain persons or in compliance with certain rules.
• Machine guns generally may not be possessed outside of one’s permanent residence or business occupancy, except certain persons.
• Anne Arundel County: the property of another without signed, written permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee.
• Baltimore City: firearms with barrels over 14″ in length on one’s person or in a vehicle within the city, except certain persons, certain firearms, or in compliance with certain rules.
• City of Gaithersburg: pistols, revolvers, or other dangerous weapons on the streets of the city, except unloaded firearms used for hunting.
• Montgomery County: firearms on one’s person or in a vehicle, except certain persons, or in certain circumstances, or in compliance with certain rules.
• Montgomery County: in or within 100 yards of a place of public assembly, except certain persons or in compliance with certain rules.

Restricted or prohibited personsUnderage persons sections Synopsis

Persons who are under 21 years of age, with some exceptions for hunting and target shooting.

Restricted persons sections Synopsis

• Fugitives from justice.
• Habitual drunkards.
• Addicts or habitual users of any controlled dangerous substance.
• Persons suffering from a mental disorder and have a history of violent behavior; unless he possesses a physician’s certificate.
• Persons who have been confined for more than 30 consecutive days to a mental health facility; unless he possesses a physician’s certificate.
• Persons who are visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not purchase a firearm.
• Persons who have not completed a certified firearms safety training course may not purchase a “regulated firearm.”
• Participants in a “straw purchase.”
• Persons subject to a “non ex parte civil protective order.”

Convicted persons sections Synopsis

• Persons who have been convicted of a crime of violence, any Maryland-classified felony, conspiracy to commit a felony, a common law crime for which the person received a term of imprisonment for more than two years, or any Maryland-classified misdemeanor that carries a statutory penalty of more than two years.
• Persons under 30 years of age who have been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court for an act that would be a disqualifying crime if committed by an adult.

ManufacturingManufacturing regulations sections Synopsis

• A person generally may not manufacture for distribution or sale a handgun manufactured after January 1, 1985 that is not included on the handgun roster in the State.
• Manufacturers must ship handguns with a shell casing of a projectile discharged from the handgun in a sealed container.
• A person many not manufacture a detachable magazine that has a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition for a firearm.
  • .22 caliber rifles with tubular magazines that have a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition may be manufactured.

Sale, purchase, and transferDealer regulations sections Synopsis

• A State license is required to engage in the business of selling, renting, or transferring regulated firearms.
• Purchasers must complete a certified firearms safety training course before purchasing a regulated firearm.
  • An online program offered by the Maryland Police Training Commission can fill this requirement with the purchaser receiving the card at the end of the on-line lecture.
• No more than one “regulated firearm” may be purchased in a 30-day period, except in certain circumstances.
• Dealers must forward the manufacturer-included shell casing in its sealed container to the Department of State Police Crime Laboratory upon sale, rental, or transfer, for inclusion in their ballistics database, known as the (IBIS).
• Handguns manufactured on or before December 31, 2002 must be sold or transferred with an external safety lock.
• Handguns manufactured after December 31, 2002 may only be sold or transferred if they have an internal mechanical safety device.
• Maryland residents may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a Federally licensed dealer in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.
• Residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a Federally licensed dealer in Maryland.

Private sale regulations sections Synopsis

• Private sales of long guns are legal and do not require a dealer’s license.
• Private sales of “regulated firearms” are prohibited.

Gun show regulations sections Synopsis

A temporary transfer permit is required to offer a “regulated firearm” for sale at a gun show.

Transportation and carryTransportation restrictions sections Synopsis

• For the purposes of “Criminal Law – Subtitle 2. Handguns”, including “§ 4–203. wearing, carrying, or transporting handgun,”
  • short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns are “handguns.”
  • certain antique firearms, as defined in Criminal Law – § 4-201, are not “handguns.”
• Machine guns generally may not be possessed outside of one’s permanent residence or business occupancy.

Open carry restrictions sections Synopsis

• Carrying a handgun either openly or concealed is prohibited, except certain persons, or in certain circumstances.
  • Exceptions include transportation of an unloaded and cased firearm, when traveling to or from:
    • a place of purchase or repair;
    • a residence and business;
    • an organized military activity, formal or informal target practice, sport shooting event, or hunting.
• Generally, no permit is required to possess a rifle or shotgun within the State.
• The Secretary of State Police, at his discretion and based on an investigation, a carry permit to a person seeking to wear, carry, or transport a handgun.

The contains no provision protecting the right for individuals to keep and bear arms. The state preempts some local firearm regulations, though local governments may regulate firearms with respect to minors and areas of public assembly. Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Gaithersburg, and Baltimore are known to have local firearm regulations.

The Constitution of Maryland, Declaration of Rights, Art.2. The Constitution of the United States, and the Laws made, or which shall be made, in pursuance thereof, and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, are, and shall be the Supreme Law of the State; and the Judges of this State, and all the People of this State, are, and shall be bound thereby; anything in the Constitution or Law of this State to the contrary.

Maryland state law currently blocks anyone who has been in a mental facility or has been reported or coded as mentally ill from buying a gun notwithstanding.

Will Maryland ever allow concealed carry?

Maryland is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen case on June 23rd, 2022. Concealed weapons permits are issued at the state level by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police (Secretary).

Can you smoke in public with a medical card in Maryland?

Is Smoking Medical Marijuana in Public Legal in the U.S? – The very simple answer to this is no, smoking MMJ in public isn’t legal in the US, Unlike our neighbor Canada, smoking recreational or medicinal marijuana in public is a criminal offense. Over there, the laws are more lenient.

1. As long as you do not see a “No Smoking” sign around, you can chill by a street corner and light up a bud.
2. Over here in the U.S? It is a different story! The law is clear on the fact that it is illegal to smoke medical marijuana anywhere in public.
3. So, unless you want to take two things off your bucket list – smoking marijuana in public and friction with the law – always bear it in mind that it has always been illegal and is still illegal to smoke medical and recreational marijuana in public.

The law applies to all states in the U.S.A, including the ones that have legalized the adult use of medical marijuana.

How much is weed at a dispensary in Maryland?

FAQ: What you need to know about medical marijuana in Maryland Medical marijuana is now available in Maryland, more than four years after the General Assembly passed a law legalizing it. Standing up the industry — with growers, processors, dispensaries and doctors — took longer than expected.

• Here’s what prospective users need to know about medical marijuana.
• Who is eligible to get a recommendation for medical marijuana in Maryland?
• State law says the “is encouraged to approve” medical marijuana recommendations for:

• Patients with chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions who have been admitted to hospice or are receiving palliative care;
• Patients with a chronic or debilitating disease whose symptoms include (or for which the treatment produces side effects that include) cachexia, anorexia, or wasting syndrome; severe or chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures; or severe or persistent muscle spasms; and
• Patients who are diagnosed with any condition that is severe, for which other medical treatments have been ineffective, and for which the symptoms “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” by the medical use of marijuana.
• The commission specifically lists glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder as qualifying conditions.

What’s the process to get a written certification for medical marijuana? Consumers first must with the commission. In addition to Maryland residents, non-Maryland residents who are in the state receiving medical treatment are eligible to register. Patients must submit an electronic copy of a government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, passport or military ID), proof of address, a clear recent photo and the last four numbers of their Social Security number.

• More information about the process is available on,
• For patients under age 18, a parent or legal guardian age 21 or older must register with the commission as a caregiver before registering the patient.
• After registering, patients must obtain a written certification (recommendation) from a provider registered with the commission.

The provider will need the patient’s commission-issued Patient ID number to issue the certification through the commission’s secure online application. If a certification is not used to purchase medical cannabis within 120 days, it becomes null and void.

1. More than 17,000 consumers in Maryland have registered for medical marijuana.
2. Do I need to go to a special doctor to get one?
3. Like patients seeking medical marijuana, doctors and other medical providers recommending medical cannabis to patients must be registered with the commission.
4. More than 500 providers — including doctors, nurses and dentists — have signed on to the program, according to recent data from the commission.

MedChi compiled a by region who are licensed by the Board of Physicians, licensed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission and who asked to be listed. also provides a list of verified medical marijuana doctors in the state. Can doctors prescribe medical marijuana? No, prescribing medical cannabis is illegal under federal law.

• Others are expected to open in the coming weeks, and 12 more were recently approved.
• And more are in planning and development, but by law there can be no more than two dispensaries in each of the state’s 47 legislative districts (not including licensed growers, who may also hold dispensary licenses).
• Are different strains or products available at different dispensaries?

Yes. Many dispensaries offer different strains of dried marijuana with different properties designed to help treat various ailments. In addition to the dried plant, some dispensaries offer liquids that can be vaporized, oils, concentrates, topical ointments, wax, pills and accessories.

Some extracts can be added to foods at home, but edible marijuana products are not available from Maryland dispensaries. How much does it cost? The price varies. At Kannavis, a dispensary in Ijamsville, dried product sells for about $50 to $60 per eighth-ounce, or $100 to $112 per quarter-ounce. A half-gram vape cartridge of extract from the shop costs $90.

Will insurance pay for it? ​Health insurance companies are not required to cover medical cannabis costs, but private health insurers can develop policies that will cover medical cannabis.​ Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States does not cover medical marijuana, according to a spokesman.

1. Coverage information for UnitedHealthcare and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield was not immediately available.
2. The federal government still classifies pot as an illegal drug.
3. What impact does that have here? Customers cannot travel to other states with medical marijuana from Maryland.
4. The Transportation Security Administration does not screen for marijuana, but it likely will be confiscated if found during a search.

Has the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved medical marijuana?

1. No, the FDA has not approved any product containing or derived from marijuana.
2. Can patients or doctors grow their own medical marijuana?
3. No.
4. How much medical marijuana can I possess at one time?

Patients can carry up to 120 grams (about four ounces) unless a physician determines a patient needs more. In extract forms, ​customers are allowed to obtain up to 36 grams of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) per month.​ I have a certification for medical marijuana.

• Driving under the influence of marijuana is still a crime.
• What about workplace drug tests?
• ​Maryland law does not prevent employers from testing for marijuana use, and it does not protect employees who test positive for any reason.​
• Is there a chance recreational marijuana use could be legalized in Maryland?

Several Democratic state lawmakers introduced a bill during the 2017 General Assembly session to hold a statewide referendum on whether to legalize recreational marijuana use in the state, while regulating and taxing it. The bill didn’t get much traction, but the issue isn’t going away.

Can you buy weed legally in Maryland without a medical card?

What is the process for legally obtaining medical cannabis in the State of Maryland? Maryland Residents: Step 1: Register as a patient with MMCC

​Adult Patients (18+ years of age):

​ To prepare for registration, please review the Process Overview​ for registering as a patient.

Minor P at i ents (Under 18 years of age):

Minor patients are required to have at least one caregiver assigned to their accounts at all times. Only parents or legal guardians 21 years of age and older are eligible to serve as caregivers for minor patients.

Caregivers must register with the Commission prior to registering the minor patient. Registering a minor patient requires additional forms, one of which must be notarized, so please review carefully the requirements in the Process Overview and Quick Reference Card documents for registering a minor patient.

Step 2: Obtain a written certification from a provider registered with the Commission Once registered, patients must obtain a valid written certification from a provider registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. The patient is required by law to have a bona fide provider-patient relationship with the provider and the provider must approve medical cannabis as a treatment option for the patient for a qualifying medical condition.

Qualifying medical conditions include cachexia, anorexia, wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe or persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or another chronic medical condition which is severe and for which other treatments have been ineffective.

The Provider Registry is open and the Commission encourages providers to register. Any provider with an active, unrestricted license in good standing with their corresponding board and actively registered to prescribe controlled substances in Maryland is eligible to register with MMCC.

1. When both the patient and provider are registered with MMCC, the provider will need the patient’s MMCC-issued Patient ID Number to issue the certification for medical cannabis through the Commission’s secure online application.
2. ​ Step 3: Visit a licensed Maryland dispensary After registering, obtaining a valid written certification from a registered provider, and printing a temporary MMCC Patient ID card, patients are able to visit licensed Maryland dispensaries to purchase medical cannabis.

When purchasing medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary, patients will be required to present their MMCC ID card. The dispensary agent will verify the patient’s certification in the Commission’s database before conducting any transaction. Patients may only purchase and obtain a maximum of a thirty-day supply of medical cannabis at one time.