Maryland Marijuana Laws and Medicinal Weed Use

If you’ve been thinking about trying medical marijuana, but are not sure where to start, this article will help you understand the state’s medical marijuana laws.

Learn about how to get a medical marijuana card in Maryland, how to find a dispensary, and the possible penalties for using marijuana. We also provide useful information on where to buy marijuana. Read on to find out more!

Maryland Marijuana Laws

The Maryland legislature spent four hours Monday discussing HB 837, which would legalize medical marijuana and allow residents to possess up to 1.5 ounces. While some lawmakers criticized the bill, others argued in favor of legalization. Black Marylanders are disproportionately impacted by marijuana arrests, with a higher rate than white residents. HB 837 would also create a new program for minority and women-owned marijuana businesses and provide limited expungement to those who have been convicted of a drug crime.

Though medical marijuana laws were passed in 2014, they have been slow to implement. It has taken nearly three years to pass the law, leaving many patients without access to medical marijuana. In late 2017, Maryland began awarding dispensary licenses. The first dispensary opened before the year was out, and more are expected to open throughout 2018.

Maryland Dispensary Information

In Maryland, marijuana businesses must follow certain requirements, including registering with the Commission. The Commission will determine the fee for registering as a dispensary. The application should include the legal name and address of the dispensary, the names of its principal officers and directors, and operating procedures. The operating procedures should follow Commission regulations, and the dispensary must store its cannabis in locked facilities. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and they must be able to provide proof of identity.

Applicants for a dispensary license must be over the age of 18. They must have a valid email and last four digits of their Social Security number. They should also have a government-issued photo ID. Minority owners and employees must register with the commission. The license is valid for four years. Renewing the license is necessary every four years. The Commission also inspects marijuana dispensaries to ensure compliance. Dispensaries are required to keep annual and quarterly reports free of identifying information about patients.

How to Get a Medicinal Marijuana Card in Maryland

First, you must prove your Maryland residency. This can be accomplished by providing a government-approved photo ID and your last four digits of your Social Security number. Another important document is a passport-quality photograph. After submitting this information, you will receive a confirmation email. Click on the link in this email to submit your application. Once you have completed the steps and submitted your documents, the medical cannabis registry will send you an ID.

Once you receive your ID card, you must present it at the dispensary to buy medical cannabis. Sellers will verify your certification before allowing you to purchase cannabis. Typically, temporary ID cards last for 90 days, so you will need to apply for a new one when your certification expires. You must pay a fee of $50. After this, you can legally purchase, transport, and administer medical marijuana for your registered patient.

Maryland Marijuana Laws and Penalties

If you are caught with marijuana, you’re likely wondering what the penalties are. Marijuana possession and distribution are both criminal offenses in Maryland. The penalties for marijuana possession depend on the amount and type of marijuana, as well as whether you have a history of committing similar offenses. For example, Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 5-601 states that it’s illegal to possess marijuana without a valid prescription and obtain it through deceit or fraud. Forgery, altered, or forged prescriptions are also crimes.

To address the problem, the Maryland legislature is working on a bill that would legalize marijuana for recreational use. If the bill passes, it would automatically expunge past marijuana possession convictions. Other changes would require lawmakers to study the impact of marijuana use on the state’s health, and work out licensing and taxation regulations. The law has a long way to go, but many legislators are hopeful that the bill will make its way through the legislature.

MD Marijuana Summary

Whether you are a medical marijuana patient or simply want to learn about the legal aspects of marijuana use, MD Marijuana Summary and Medicative Weed Use can help you make an educated decision. In the last few years, many studies have supported the use of cannabis for medical conditions, including pain and chronic nausea related to pregnancy, cyclical vomiting syndrome, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Currently, two thirds of U.S. states have legalized the use of marijuana in medical settings, and more are considering doing so. Despite these legalities, the FDA has not approved the use of marijuana for any condition yet, aside from two rare forms of epilepsy. However, as medical marijuana use grows and more studies are conducted, the federal government continues to encourage research and encourage medical use of marijuana.