Maryland Marijuana Compliance

Recreational marijuana and medical marijuana are legal in the state of Maryland as of July 2023. However, employers are not required to accommodate its use in the workplace. Employers are not restricted from testing employees and candidates for employment for marijuana use and may discipline them for a positive test, as long as all state testing guidelines are followed.

Register for a drug test online by clicking the "Register Now" button below. You can also call (888) 378-2499 with any questions about our drug testing services.

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This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes

The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Since marijuana testing regulations can vary, we advise you to seek the guidance of expert legal counsel when creating your company's substance abuse screening program.

Maryland Marijuana Compliance

Maryland Marijuana Laws

Overall Status: Legal

Medical marijuana and small amounts of recreational marijuana are legal following Maryland law.

Medical Marijuana: Legal

Medicinal marijuana has been legal in Maryland since 2014. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Law allows patients and caregivers who are registered with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) to possess marijuana for medical use.

The following qualifying conditions are defined under the state's current medical marijuana laws:

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Severe or chronic pain
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Seizures
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Anorexia
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Severe nausea
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Glaucoma
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Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
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Severe or persistent muscle spasms
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Conditions resulting in a patient receiving hospice or palliative care

In addition, a patient may qualify if he or she has other chronic or severe medical conditions, past treatments have not been effective, and a medical doctor believes medical marijuana can provide relief.

Currently, guidelines set by the MMCC allow patients or caregivers to purchase a maximum of four ounces of usable cannabis or one ounce total of THC in a rolling 30-day period. However, physicians can recommend more.

Decriminalized: Yes

Marijuana possession has been decriminalized. In the state, possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana is a civil offense, rather than a criminal one. While there may still be penalties, it will not result in arrest, jail time, or a criminal record.

For a first offense, the fine is up to $100. The fine increases to up to $250 for the second offense and up to $500 for additional offenses.

Even though it's not illegal, violators may still need to appear in court. Those under age 21 are required to appear in court and may have to go to court-ordered drug treatment. Violators over age 21 must appear after a third offense and may also be ordered to undergo drug treatment.

Recreational Marijuana: Legal

As of July 1, 2023, recreational cannabis is legal in Maryland. Residents of the state who are at least 21 years old or older can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 2 cannabis plants for personal use.

Last updated 1/15/2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical marijuana use is legal in Maryland, as long as the user has a valid prescription and is registered with the MMCC.

What is Maryland's history with marijuana?

In 2010, Maryland was listed as one of the states with the highest number of marijuana possession arrests and the greatest spending to enforce possession laws. In 2014 marijuana possession was decriminalized and medical marijuana became legal. In 2023, recreational marijuana also became legal.

Can I sell my personal cannabis?

No. Although possessing and using marijuana is legal, selling is reserved only for businesses with a cannabis business license. Sellers must obtain proper licensing first, or they may face the risk of criminal charges. Charges can include up to three years in jail or $5,000.

Drug Tests That Exclude Marijuana

Urine Drug Panels That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing

Some of the popular drug tests that remove THC from the panel of drugs being tested are listed below:

Also try taking a look at our comprehensive list of urine drug panels that exclude marijuana. Drug tests that do not include marijuana testing can be found under the "Exclude Marijuana" section.

Hair Drug Tests That Do Not Include Marijuana Testing

To remove marijuana testing from a hair test, try one of our two popular hair tests:

For a complete list of our hair drug tests, take a look at our comprehensive list of hair tests.

Drug Panels That Include Marijuana

Urine Drug Tests That Include THC Testing

If marijuana testing is needed, the below urine drug panels include testing for THC:

For a complete list of urine drug panels that we offer, view our urine drug panels here.

Hair Drug Panels That Include Marijuana Testing

The following are hair drug tests that include testing for THC:

A comprehensive list of the hair drug panels that we offer can be found here.

Citations

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"Maryland." Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/laws-and-regulations/maryland
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"Maryland Medical Cannabis Law." Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Documents/Subtitle%2033_Sept2015_Corrected.pdf
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"Possession of Less than 10 grams of Marijuana in Maryland." Peoples-Law.org, https://www.peoples-law.org/possession-less-10-grams-marijuana-maryland
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Iannelli, Nick. "Maryland House work group on legalizing pot lays out plans for year." WTOP News, 9 September 2021, https://wtop.com/maryland/2021/09/group-looking-at-legalizing-pot-in-md-meets-for-the-first-time/
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"Maryland Laws and Penalties." NORML, https://norml.org/laws/maryland-penalties-2/
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"The War on Marijuana in Black and White." ACLU, https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/1114413-mj-report-rfs-rel1.pdf
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Johnson, Jenna. "Having a small amount of pot in Md. Is no longer a criminal case." The Washington Post, 1 October 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/pot-decriminalization--for-small-amounts--takes-effect-in-maryland-on-wednesday/2014/09/30/bc379534-48a5-11e4-891d-713f052086a0_story.html
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Recreational cannabis use and possession in Maryland. banner-img-mobile. (n.d.). https://www.peoples-law.org/recreational-marijuana-cannabis-use-and-possession-maryland