Navigating cannabis laws can be confusing—especially with changes in both medical and recreational legislation happening recently. If you’re exploring medical cannabis in Maryland, here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to help you understand your rights and options in 2025.
A Snapshot: Cannabis Laws in Maryland
- Maryland legalized medical cannabis years ago, establishing a regulated program for patients.
- In November 2022, Maryland voters approved Question 4, which legalized adult-use (recreational) cannabis, effective July 1, 2023.
- Under the recreational law:
• Adults age 21+ may legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis.
• Individuals may also cultivate up to two cannabis plants, out of public view.
• New rules are in place limiting THC content per serving / package in cannabis products.
Even though recreational use is legal under state law, federal law still prohibits cannabis, so interstate transport or federal facilities (e.g. national parks, airports) are off-limits.
So Where Does Medical Cannabis Fit In?
Even with recreational legalization, Maryland’s medical cannabis program remains active and relevant—particularly for patients who qualify based on health conditions.
Qualifying Conditions & Patient Registration
To access medical cannabis, you must:
- Be a Maryland resident, 18 or older (or, if younger, have a designated caregiver).
- Be evaluated by a physician or qualified health care provider who certifies that you have a qualifying medical condition. Common conditions include:
• Severe or chronic pain
• Severe nausea
• Persistent muscle spasms
• Seizure disorders
• Glaucoma
• PTSD
• And other chronic medical conditions where standard treatments have failed. - Apply or register with the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) to obtain a medical patient ID.
Once registered, you can purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries and receive protections and accommodations reserved for medical patients.
Limits & Restrictions
Medical cannabis patients must adhere to certain limits:
- Patients are generally restricted in the amount of cannabis (flower, THC-infused products) they can purchase.
- The law mandates patient-only hours at dispensaries and limits on product types to ensure patients aren’t crowded out by recreational-use customers.
- Medical cannabis status does not shield you from workplace drug testing or automatic protections in employment—failures on drug tests can still result in discipline, unless legally modified.
Changes & Legal Developments to Watch in 2025
Here are some upcoming or recent changes that patients should keep on their radar:
- As of July 1, 2025, Maryland increased the statewide cannabis sales tax on adult-use sales from 9% to 12%. This impacts recreational purchases more directly, but it reflects the evolving regulatory environment.
- New laws effective July 2025 also prohibit cannabis products marketed with more than 0.5 mg of THC per serving or over 2.5 mg of THC per package.
- Proposed or passed legislation attempts to protect public safety employees (firefighters, EMS) from being disciplined for lawful medical cannabis use. For example, HB 1408 would limit discrimination.
- In the 2025 legislative session, bills (e.g. SB 1023) advanced to protect certain public employees from workplace discipline tied to medical cannabis use.
These changes show that the legal landscape remains active, and medical patients should stay informed.
What Patients Should Know If You Plan to Use Medical Cannabis
- Stay compliant with registration
Make sure your certificate and registration are up to date. Expired or invalid credentials could jeopardize your access. - Work with a qualified health professional
Your health professional must certify that cannabis is appropriate for your condition, especially if standard treatments have fallen short. - Understand your rights—but don’t assume too much
Medical status provides some legal protections and access, but does not guarantee employment protections or immunity from drug testing. - Track product limits and THC caps
Stay within the state’s limits on THC content and amounts per serving or package to avoid regulatory issues. - Keep up with legal changes
Legislation continues to evolve, especially around workplace protections and product regulations.
Take the Next Step with CannaLeaf Health
If you’re considering medical cannabis in Maryland, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At CannaLeaf Health, we walk you through every step—from determining if you qualify, to completing your registration, to ensuring you understand your treatment options.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward safe, legal access to medical cannabis in Maryland.
