Maryland just took a big step towards legalizing marijuana on January 1st, but don’t go lighting up in public just yet! It’s not fully legal until July 1st, 2023. And as for buying it at your local corner store? Well, we’ve a better idea…
Here’s the breakdown: voters approved Question 4, which gradually legalizes marijuana, with a whopping 65% in favor on November 8th, 2022. Starting January 1st, 2023, possession of up to 1.5 ounces of weed will only result in a civil fine of $100, but no arrest or incarceration. However, smoking in public is still illegal. Just to add to the confusion, the state had already decriminalized possession of 10 grams a decade ago.
Fast forward to July 1st, 2023, and possession of up to 1.5 ounces will be fully legal, and possession of 1.5 to 2.5 ounces will only result in a $100 fine. But possession of more than 2.5 ounces can still get you arrested. Additionally, Maryland residents who have completed a sentence for marijuana possession can now request to have their record expunged starting January 1st, 2023.
As for buying your weed legally in Maryland? That’s still a ways off. Currently, there’s no plan to license cannabis stores in the state. But don’t let that stop you from getting your hands on some good bud, a quick trip to Southwest DC will do the trick, and with over 50,000 satisfied customers in DMV area, we guarantee you’ll be happy with your purchase.
