Maryland cannabis history
Reviewed
The State Board of Elections reports Question 4 at 1,302,161 for and 635,572 against. The Cannabis Administration says possession by people 21 and older, and the adult-use marketplace, started July 1, 2023.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the Maryland cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
December 2017The Maryland State Archives says medical cannabis has been available to patients since December 2017.
May 3, 2023The Cannabis Administration says the Cannabis Reform Act took effect on the governor’s signature on May 3, 2023.
July 1, 2023The FAQ says a person 21 or older may lawfully possess and use cannabis as of that day.
Medical use and the penalty change
- The archives say the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission was authorized by Chapter 403 of the Acts of 2013.
- The Capital Gazette reported that the governor signed, that morning, a bill under which possession of less than 10 grams would no longer be a state crime, with an effective date of October 1.
Question 4 and the Cannabis Reform Act
- The ballot asked whether voters favored legalization of cannabis for a person at least 21 on or after July 1, 2023. The results page does not print a calendar day, so none is added here.
- The FAQ says the act authorized existing dispensaries to convert to dual medical and adult-use sales by July 1, creating a legal adult-use marketplace as of July 1, 2023.
Sources
- 1,302,161 for and 635,572 against
- creating a legal adult-use marketplace as of July 1, 2023
- has been available to patients since December 2017
- would no longer be a state crime
- on or after July 1, 2023
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.