Cannabis law in Maryland (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Since 1 July 2023 adults aged 21 or over may possess and use cannabis, up to 1.5 ounces of flower, and grow two plants at home. Sale is only through licensed dispensaries, and smoking in public places is prohibited.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Up to 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 grams of concentrate or 750 mg of THC in other products (the personal use amount). [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [1] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Foreigners expressly covered [1] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [1] |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | Buyers may purchase no more than the personal use amount: 1.5 ounces of flower, 12 g of concentrate or products with a total of 750 mg of THC. [1] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Using cannabis while driving and impaired driving are illegal. Police can make a cannabis DUI arrest if they observe impairment with standard field sobriety tests. [1] |
Notes
- The FAQ says possession of more than 2.5 ounces may result in criminal penalties; the intermediate civil-penalty tier was not read in detail.
- A household may grow at most two plants however many adults live there, and plants must be out of public view. Registered medical patients may grow two additional plants.
- The FAQ addresses smoking, which it says is prohibited in any public place, including parks, streets, bars, restaurants and public transport. Other forms of use in public were not described.
- The medical programme continues alongside adult use. Only registered, certified Maryland patients and caregivers can buy under it; out-of-state medical patients have no reciprocity.
- Taking cannabis into or out of Maryland remains illegal under federal law, as the FAQ notes.
Sources
- Maryland Cannabis Administration: Adult-Use Cannabis FAQs (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Maryland and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Yes: 2 plants per household | Licensed dispensaries only | Smoking banned in public places | Medical programme (card needed) | Out-of-state adults 21+ may buy |
| District of Columbia | Legal for 21+, up to 2 oz | Yes, up to 6 plants (3 mature) | No adult-use sale permitted | Banned in public places | Yes, licensed medical programme | Any adult 21+, no residency test |
| Delaware | Legal, 21+, within limits | No home growing | Licensed retailers (since Aug 2025) | No use in public areas | Yes, registered patients | Any adult 21+; no residency test |
| Pennsylvania | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Prohibited (medical dispensaries only) | — | Certified patients, 24 conditions | — |
| Virginia | Legal for adults 21+ within limits | Up to 4 plants per household | No legal sales until 1 July 2027 | No consumption in public places | Practitioner certification | Not addressed (21+ only) |
| West Virginia | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Prohibited (medical dispensaries only) | — | Certified patients, limited forms | — |
More rules in Maryland
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.