Possessing up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana is no longer punishable by jailtime in Maryland.
In November voters gave approval to an initiative (Question 4) that legalizes the possession, use and licensed distribution of up to an ounce and a half of marijuana through a change in the state’s constitution. Although the full law doesn’t take effect until July, as a gradual step forward as of January 1st it’s now punishable by no more than a civil fine of $100 for possessing up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis.
Prior to this taking effect possessing up to 10 grams was decriminalized, with higher amounts remaining a misdemeanor.
During the 2022 legislative session the state legislature passed legislation to implement legalization if the initiative were to pass, including a system to regulate licensed retail outlets.
The full text of Question 4 can be found by clicking here.
