Maryland is gradually making ground in the process to legalize cannabis with the new maryland cannabis bill HB1 and HB837. A month ago, the Maryland General Assembly referred a constitutional amendment to be voted on in November according to Ballotpedia .org. The amendment will be the first cannabis-related measure to be included in the 2022 ballot. Currently, cannabis is decriminalized, but is not legal in the state of Maryland.
According to NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) if an individual is caught with more than 10 grams, but less than 50 lbs. of cannabis the penalty is up to a year in jail and a thousand dollar fine as a misdemeanor. To be clear, 10g is less than a half ounce of weed. One can be sentenced to a year in jail for having a half ounce of weed in Maryland.
What is Maryland’s House Bill?
The Maryland State House and Senate have approved bills HB1 and HB837. The Maryland Cannabis Bill- House Bill 1 would legalize cannabis for adults twenty-one or older beginning in July 2023. House Bill 837 is an amendment to House Bill 1 and would take effect if voters approve House Bill 1. According to Ballotpedia, the governor does not need to sign the maryland cannabis bill for it to appear on the ballot.
What happens to a bill in the house?
Maryland Cannabis Bill-House Bill 837 would legalize the personal use and possession of up to 1.5 ounces or 12 grams of concentrated cannabis for individuals 21 years of age or older. This bill would also allow for the possession of two cannabis plants, and change the criminal penalties for persons found with cannabis under the age of 21. The Maryland Cannabis Bill 837 would also expunge convictions for conduct that would be made legal under the law and allow previously sentenced individuals to be resentenced (under the new guidelines).
That is great; however, July 2023 is more than a year away for this Maryland Cannabis Bill to even begin. So, can you get recreational cannabis if you live in Maryland? The simple answer and easy means to procure is Initiative 71 in Washington, DC. While the states of Virginia and Maryland continue to drag their feet in the cannabis legalization process Washington DC has provided a legal loophole for recreational cannabis users.
How many ounces of cannabis can you carry?
Initiative-71 allows for the transportation and gifting of up to two ounces of cannabis for individuals twenty-one or older. Such businesses that operate under this provision have been labeled I-71 businesses. The medical marijuana market has lobbied and pushed for these storefronts to be shut down, fined, and raided by police. In April a legal provision aimed at hurting I-71 businesses was defeated. However, what is more under the radar, easier to access, and often has a more robust menu are weed delivery dispensaries.
I utilize a few delivery dispensaries depending on what side of the city I plan to be. Select Co-op has drivers that are always on time and my order is always correct. Select Co-op drivers deliver to anywhere within the city limits. I also utilize Tacoma Care and Wellness. They provide me a spot for pick-up and I receive my 4:20 supplies without hassle or issue. DC Cooperative is another delivery dispensary that provides top shelf flowers, concentrates, edibles, and carts.
I will also hit up Gifted Legacy. Aside from a clever business name they always have dynamite strains and provide excellent recommendations on what is the best thing on their menu. While Maryland drags its feet in the legalization game at least you know where to legally grab your 4:20 supplies. Simply, be careful driving back into Maryland while we wait for the Maryland Cannabis Bill!
