Marijuana laws are changing in Maryland. A substantial majority have voted for recreational marijuana laws, similar to those found in states like Illinois and Colorado. Maryland already has medical marijuana options, of course, but the new law is going to make it possible to use marijuana simply for recreational purposes, much the way someone would have a beer or a glass of wine.
Since this is a plant, though, it is possible to cultivate it yourself. This has been illegal in the past, but you may be wondering if the new law now means that you can grow at home.
Growing two plants
When the law goes into effect, adults in Maryland will be allowed to grow two plants at home. They are also allowed to have 1.5 ounces of marijuana without violating the law. So, while growing at home is certainly going to be allowed, it is important to know that there are still rather strict regulations. Exceeding them can still lead to legal charges, even when growing just two plants would have been fully legal.
Speaking of when, it’s also important to note that these changes will not take place until July of 2023. The vote has already happened, but growing marijuana won’t technically be legal until the summer. It may still take months after that for dispensaries and purchase options to really be in place. But you can grow on your own, if you’d like, once the law goes into effect. Just don’t risk legal charges by doing so too soon.
If you do find yourself in violation of these often-changing laws, it’s critical to know about all of your legal defense options.