Maryland Becomes the 20th State To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
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Published on 11-08-2022 09:04 PM
JACOB SULLUM
11.8.2022
Maryland, where the state legislature approved medical marijuana in 2014, today became the 20th state to allow recreational use of cannabis. With 32 percent of ballots counted, 65 percent of voters had said yes to Question 4, a constitutional amendment that allows adults 21 or older to "use and possess cannabis." The amendment also says the Maryland General Assembly "shall, by law, provide for the use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation of cannabis within the state."
In April, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, allowed a bill filling in some of the details to become law without his signature. As of January 1, H.B. 837 makes it legal for adults to purchase and possess up to an ounce and a half of marijuana. It also eliminates criminal penalties for possessing two and a half ounces or less.
Under current law, possessing less than 10 grams (about a third of an ounce) is a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine, while possessing more (up to 50 pounds) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. Smoking marijuana in a public place will remain illegal in Maryland, subject to a maximum civil fine of $250 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.
The new law allows adults to grow up to two marijuana plants at home and share cannabis "without remuneration." It expunges criminal records for newly legal conduct and allows resentencing of defendants serving time for such offenses.
more:
https://reason.com/2022/11/08/maryla...nal-marijuana/
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