Cannabis laws have been changing in Maryland and across the country. It is now legal for someone in Maryland to possess cannabis for personal use. This is a relatively new law that just came into effect last summer, on July 1 of 2023. It is in contrast to previous laws that made cannabis possession illegal.
But now that marijuana has been legalized and decriminalized in some ways, people may simply have more questions about the process. For instance, there are many people who partake in cannabis products in a communal sense, with friends or family members. Are they allowed to give away cannabis or share it with these people? Or would that still be an example of illegal drug distribution?
Important stipulations
You can share cannabis with someone else without violating drug laws. However, there are key stipulations that must be upheld.
For example, the person you give marijuana products to must be at least 21 years old. On top of that, Maryland has set limits for how much cannabis a person can have for personal use, and you can’t give them more than this. They are limited to 2.5 ounces.
Additionally, you’re not allowed to sell marijuana products. This can only be done by those with the correct license, and sales between individuals are prohibited. Money or other forms of compensation can’t exchange hands. You are free to give one of your friends the marijuana products that you own, but you can’t use cannabis for financial gain and charge money for those products.
Are you facing charges?
As marijuana laws change, those facing charges are likely to have a lot of questions. If you’re in this position, it’s critical that you consider your defense options carefully.