Welcome to a new era of freedom in Maryland! Since July of 2023, cannabis is now legal for all adults. This is very exciting news, but it also brings up a lot of common questions.

You might be asking, “What are the new rules for buying?” or “How much am I allowed to have?” You might also be wondering, “Is a medical card still worth getting?”

This guide is here to be your complete map. We will clearly explain the new recreational laws. We will also show you the powerful benefits of having a medical card. Understanding the laws for cannabis in Maryland is the key to a safe and smart experience, and this guide will show you everything you need to know.

Recreational Cannabis in the Old Line State

Let’s start with the basics that most adults and visitors want to know. These are the rules for the “adult-use” or “recreational” cannabis program.

Who Can Legally Buy and Possess?

The rule here is very simple. Any adult who is 21 years old or older can legally buy and have cannabis.

All you need is a valid, government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. You will show this at a licensed dispensary in Maryland to prove you are old enough.

How Much Can You Have?

The state has set clear limits on how much cannabis you can have at one time. This is called the “personal use amount.”

• Cannabis Flower: You can have up to 1.5 ounces.
• Cannabis Concentrates: For stronger products like vape cartridges or wax, the limit is 12 grams.
• THC-infused Products (Edibles): For edibles like gummies or chocolates, the limit is 750 milligrams of THC.

Can You Grow Your Own?

Yes, you can grow your own cannabis at home in Maryland! The rules for growing for your own personal use are simple.

• Plant Count: An adult can grow up to two cannabis plants in their own home.
• Household Limit: A single home is limited to a maximum of two plants. This is the rule even if more than one adult lives there.
• Location: Your plants must be kept out of public view. They also must be in a place where kids cannot get to them.

Why a Maryland Medical Card is Still a Smart Move

Now that any adult over 21 can buy cannabis, you might think that a medical card is no longer useful. But that is not true at all! In Maryland, having a medical card is still a very smart choice that comes with amazing benefits.

Let’s look at why being a medical patient is a big deal.

Benefit 1: Save Money on Taxes

This is a huge reason to have a medical card. When you buy from a recreational store, your purchase has a 9% state sales tax.

But if you are a medical patient, you are exempt from this sales tax. That means you pay 0% sales tax on all of your medicine. This will save you a lot of money on every single purchase.

Benefit 2: Higher Possession and Purchase Limits

Medical patients are also allowed to have and buy more cannabis. A recreational user has strict limits on how much they can have.

But a medical patient’s doctor can recommend a “30-day supply.” This is often a much higher amount than the recreational limits. This is very important for patients who need a steady supply of their medicine.

Benefit 3: Access for Younger Adults (18-20)

The recreational market has a strict age limit of 21 and over. But what if you are 18, 19, or 20 and have a health condition that cannabis could help?

A medical card is the only legal way for young adults in this age group to buy and use cannabis in Maryland.

Benefit 4: Priority Service and Access

At many dispensaries, medical patients get to go first. The law often requires these stores to serve patients before they serve recreational customers.

Some stores may even have special hours or separate lines just for medical patients. This means less time waiting in line for your medicine.

How to Get Your Maryland Medical Cannabis Card

Are you thinking that a medical card sounds like a smart choice? The good news is that the process to get one in Maryland is clear and simple.

Register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA)

The very first step you need to take is to register yourself online. You will do this on the MCA website.

This will create an account for you and give you a special patient ID number. You will need this number for the next step.

Get Certified by a Registered Provider

After you register with the state, you need to talk with a medical provider. This provider must be registered with the MCA to be able to certify patients.

The provider will talk with you about your health condition. If they approve you, they will use your patient ID number to put your certification right into the state’s online system.

This step is now incredibly simple. Expert telehealth services like HealifyNow connect you with registered Maryland providers online, so you can get your evaluation and certification quickly and privately from home.

Purchase Your Card from the MCA

After your provider has certified you, you just have one more easy step. You will log back into your account on the MCA website. From there, you can purchase your official medical cannabis card.

A Quick Note: Want to get your medical card approval online in just minutes? You can get your medical card approved quickly at HealifyNowMMJCards! Experience hassle-free access to the care you need. You can begin your application now!

Important Rules to Remember in Maryland

Whether you are a medical patient or a recreational user, there are some very important rules to know to stay safe.

First, you cannot smoke or vape cannabis in public places. This includes parks, sidewalks, bars, and restaurants.

Also, it is always illegal to drive a car while under the influence of cannabis. A cannabis DUI is a very serious offense.

Maryland has a great market with a huge variety of products. To make the best choices for your needs, learning about cannabis strains and their effects can help you have a more informed and effective dispensary experience.

Finally, if you have a medical card, it is good for a long time now. But your certification from a doctor may need to be renewed more often, usually every year. This is a key regulation for medical cannabis in Maryland.

Keeping your certification current is simple. Many modern providers offer an easy-to-use patient portal where you can manage your account and schedule your annual renewal appointment.Whether you choose the recreational or medical path, we hope this guide helps you safely and smartly navigate the new world of cannabis in Maryland.

Dr. Bryan Green

Dr. Bryan Green is a board-certified neurologist and author specializing in neurological disorders. With a medical degree and extensive clinical experience, he writes about the intersection of neuroscience and therapeutic interventions, including the use of medical cannabis for conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. His work aims to educate patients and professionals on evidence-based treatments for seizures, spasticity, and neuropathic pain. Dr. Green’s publications blend medical expertise with accessible insights, drawing from his practice in states where cannabis is a legal treatment option.