Recreational marijuana use became legal for adults in Maryland on Saturday, allowing residents 21 and older to buy, use, own and grow limited amounts of marijuana.
Maryland residents voted in favor of recreational cannabis use in the November election. Democratic Gov. Wes Moore signed the Cannabis Reform Act into law in May.
Under the law, adults over the age of 21 are allowed to grow up to two plants for personal use and are allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, which is taxed at 9%. Fox 5 DC reported. Cultivation of cannabis plants has previously caused legal consequences. However, this new law removes that restriction.
Laws now allow residents to purchase, use and possess cannabis, but that use is limited to private residences, Maryland Cannabis Authority deputy director Dawn Berkowitz told WJZ. Told. That is, smoking in public places is still not allowed.
Minnesota Governor Waltz to Sign Recreational Marijuana Legalization Bill
Recreational marijuana use became legal for adults in Maryland on Saturday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
“Purchase limits are the same as personal use possession limits, which include up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flowers, up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or up to 750 milligrams of THC,” Berkowitz said. .
Berkowitz said possession of more than 1.5 ounces but less than 2.5 ounces of cannabis could result in civil fines, while possession of more than 2.5 ounces could be considered intent to distribute and could lead to criminal prosecution.
Convictions for marijuana-related offenses made legal under the new law are automatically revoked, and those serving time for those offenses are eligible for reimbursement. A person convicted of possession with intent to distribute may petition the court for removal three years after completing his or her sentence.
The state will also allow companies to offer medical marijuana to customers in the future. Based on last year’s ballot action, nearly 100 pharmacies were approved by state regulators to transition to dual licensees, allowing them to serve patients and adult consumers.
Public smoking is still not permitted under Maryland’s new marijuana legalization law. (St. Petersburg)
“We thought for a long time that Americans across the country would choose cannabis. We have six million people in Maryland, and we know cannabis is going to be big business here. said Ben Kobler, CEO and founder of Green. thumbs and RISE Pharmacy told Fox 5 DC.
The Maryland Cannabis Authority announced last week that it has approved 42 growers and manufacturers.
“The Maryland Cannabis Authority is excited to work with industry partners to bring safer, legal, and tested cannabis to adults in Maryland beginning July 1,” said Maryland Cannabis. Acting Commissioner Will Tilburg said in a press release. “We encourage adults to be informed both about the new legal requirements and about safe and responsible cannabis consumption.”
Travis Kelce estimates that up to 80% of NFL players smoke cannabis
Residents over the age of 21 may purchase, use, possess, and grow limited amounts of marijuana. (AP Photo/Marina Riker, File)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Maryland, like more than 20 other states, has legalized recreational marijuana for adults.
In a tweet on Saturday, Moore said, “We are writing a new chapter in the history of cannabis in America. It will help rebuild communities hurt by criminalization and build a more competitive, fairer economy.” will do,’ he said.
Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level and is prohibited for use on government buildings and other federal facilities.
