State Law Tracker · Maryland

Cannabis and hemp law in Maryland

In Maryland, recreational cannabis is legal, medical cannabis is legal, and delta-8 THC is banned.

Last verified October 24, 2026 · Last major change September 2025

RecreationalLegal MedicalLegal Delta-8Banned

Is recreational cannabis legal in Maryland?

Legal. Adult-use legal since July 2023; adults 21+ may possess 1.5 oz and grow 2 plants.

Is medical cannabis legal in Maryland?

Legal. Medical program operates within the combined adult-use and medical licensed market regulated by the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

What are the rules for hemp products in Maryland?

Hemp products above 0.5 mg THC per serving or 2.5 mg per package may be sold only by licensed cannabis businesses; a Sept 2025 appellate ruling let the state enforce that 2023 law, and Maryland's top court declined review in Jan 2026.

Is delta-8 THC legal in Maryland?

Banned. State law bars cannabis products not derived from naturally occurring compounds; in Sept 2025 the Appellate Court of Maryland said delta-8 and delta-10 products made by chemical conversion are prohibited.

What happens if you break the law in Maryland?

Adults 21+ may possess up to 1.5 ounces; 1.5 to 2.5 ounces is a civil offense with a fine of up to $250, and larger amounts are a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail.

Sources

  1. www.mdcourts.gov/data/opinions/cosa/2025/1590s23.pdf
  2. cannabis.maryland.gov/Documents/2025_PDF_Files/Bulletins/Update%20on%20Intoxicating%20THC%20Products.pdf
  3. mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-601&enactments=false
  4. www.mpp.org/issues/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-protections-in-the-50-states/
  5. www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/coappeals/pdfs/20260128certdenialorder.pdf
⚠︎ Federal law — affects every state A federal funding law signed in November 2025 (Public Law 119-37) narrows the legal definition of hemp, and a stopgap funding law signed September 2, 2026 (Public Law 119-103) split its start into two dates. On November 12, 2026, products containing cannabinoids that a cannabis plant cannot produce naturally, such as THC-O, fall outside it. The rest takes effect December 11, 2026, including the exclusion of chemically converted cannabinoids such as delta-8 made from CBD, a 0.3% limit measured as total THC (including THCA), and a limit of 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. State rules apply on top of the federal law. Sources: Public Law 119-103, Sec. 2019 · Congressional Research Service · Akerman LLP
Informational summary drawn from state statutes, official program pages, and published reporting — sources linked per state. Not legal advice. Laws change quickly; verify with official state sources before acting. Spot an error? Request a correction — we fix mistakes promptly.
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