maryland cannabis Archives

Maryland Senate Advances Bill to Increase Marijuana Possession Limit from 10 Grams to 28 Grams

March 19, 2018 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation to nearly triple the amount of marijuana allowed under a decriminalization law passed in 2014 has been passed through its second reading in the Maryland Senate.

In Maryland, the possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal use has been decriminalized since 2014. Senate Bill 127, according to an official summary, “increases the amount of marijuana below which possession is a civil offense from 10 grams to one ounce and makes conforming changes.” The measure was passed Thursday through its second reading in the Senate, the day after it was approved by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Senate Bill 127, filed by Senator Robert Zirkin, must now be passed through a third and final reading in the Senate before it can be sent to the House of Representatives. If also passed by the House, the bill would go to Governor Larry Hogan for final consideration.

Marijuana Expungement Bill Becomes Law in Maryland

October 2, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

A marijuana expungement bill has officially become law in Maryland.

Senate Bill 949 was given approval by the House in April with a vote of 94 to 43; prior to that the measure passed the Senate with a unanimous 47 to 0 vote. Following inaction from Governor Larry Hogan, the legislation officially became law on Sunday, October 1st.

According to official language, Senate Bill 949 would allow for the expungement (removal) of a marijuana charge if “the person was convicted of possession of marijuana under §5–601 of the Criminal Law Article”. The measure initially required “that filing fees for petitions for expungement collected by the District Court be remitted to the Administrative Office of the Court be used only for a specified purpose”, but that was amended out in the House.

Maryland House Approves Marijuana Expungement Bill, Already Passed Senate

April 4, 2017April 4, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

A marijuana expungement bill has been passed by Maryland’s full House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 949 was given approval by the House today with a 94 to 43 vote; the measure has already passed the Senate with a unanimous 47 to 0 vote. Given it was amended in the House, it will need to go back to the Senate to receive one final vote before being sent to Governor Larry Hogan for final consideration.

Marijuana Expungement Bill Passed Unanimously by Maryland Senate

March 18, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**Maryland’s full Senate has given approval to Senate Bill 949 to allow marijuana expungements.**

The proposal was passed by the Senate Wednesday with a unanimous 47 to 0 vote. A companion bill – House Bill 379 – was passed today by the House Judiciary Committee.

The proposed laws “expands eligibility for expungements to include convictions for possession of marijuana under § 5-601 of the Criminal Law Article before October 1, 2014.” October 1st, 2014 marked the first day of a law that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana in the state.

Maryland Senate Committee Votes in Favor of Marijuana Expungement Bill

March 13, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee has given a favorable vote to Senate Bill 949.**

The proposal would allow a person convicted of possession of marijuana before October 1, 2014 to file for an expungement (removal) of the charge. According to its official summary; “This bill expands eligibility for expungements to include convictions for possession of marijuana under § 5-601 of the Criminal Law Article before October 1, 2014.”

October 1st, 2014 marked the first day of a new statewide law in Maryland that decriminalized the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis, making it a civil fine rather than an arrestable misdemeanor.

Maryland Senate to Hold Hearing Thursday on Marijuana Legalization Bill

March 1, 2017March 1, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday on a bill that would legalize and regulate marijuana in a way similar to alcohol.**

Senate Bill 928, filed by Senator Richard Madaleno Jr., would legalize the possession and personal cultivation of cannabis, while establishing a licensed and regulated system of cannabis retail outlets and cultivation centers. Prior charges for cannabis that were made legal by the bill would be expunged for those who were 21 and older at the time of conviction.

“I’m a retired narcotics officer and Maryland native, and I support regulating marijuana for adult use because it will make our state safer,” says Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, who plans to testify at the hearing Thursday. “Decriminalizing marijuana took the crime out of possessing it, but it did not address the criminal element associated with production and sales. Maryland’s prohibition system is keeping dangerous illegal growers and dealers in business. Adopting a tightly regulated system of licensed cultivators and sellers will weaken criminals who endanger our children, communities, and police officers.”

The 5 States Most Likely to Legalize Marijuana Next (and by 2018)

February 21, 2017February 21, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Washington and Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012. Oregon and Alaska followed in 2014. In 2016, Massachusetts, Maine, California and Nevada joined the movement. Here’s a look at the five states most likely to be next, and by the end of next year.

Vermont

Last year Vermont’s Senate became the first in U.S. history to approve a measure (Senate Bill 241) that would have fully legalized cannabis for those 21 and older. Despite also being supported by the state’s attorney general and governor at the time, it failed to pass the House.

However, proponents are taking up the issue again in 2017, with the added momentum of four additional states having legalized cannabis just a few months prior.

The state’s new Governor Phil Scott unfortunately doesn’t support legalization, but is at least open to the idea, saying “I can appreciate the discussion around ending the prohibition of marijuana.”

Maryland Marijuana Legalization Bill Announced

January 30, 2017January 30, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Marijuana would be legalized, regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol under legislation Maryland lawmakers plan to introduce this week.

“Now is the time to join other states and move toward a sensible system of regulation and taxation,” said Senator Richard Madaleno (D) at a Monday press conference. Madaleno announced two forthcoming Senate bills; one would legalize and regulate cannabis, and one would tax it.

Under the proposed laws, which will be officially filed later this week, those 21 and older would be allowed to possess and grow cannabis for personal use. The measures would also establish a system of licensed cannabis retail outlets, supplied by licensed cultivation centers. Cannabis would be taxed at $30 an ounce, plus a 9% sales tax.

Maryland Marijuana Possession Laws

August 13, 2016August 12, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Maryland Marijuana Possession Laws:

Less than 10 grams:

Penalty: Civil infraction up to $100 (up to $500 if caught consuming in public).

10 grams to 50 pounds:

Penalty: Misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.

50 pounds or more:

Penalty: Felony with a 5 year mandatory minimum sentence and/or a maximum fine of $100,000.

For further information on Maryland marijuana laws – including penalties for cultivation – click here. For recent updates to Maryland”s marijuana possession laws and other Maryland-related stories, click here.

Maryland Governor Signs Bill Allowing Dentists, Nurses and Midwives to Recommend Medical Cannabis

May 13, 2016May 13, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation (House Bill 104) to greatly expand the type of healthcare professional that can legally recommend medical cannabis to patients has been signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan. The measure was passed by the Senate last month 36 to 10, which followed an 110 to 21 vote in the House of Representatives in February.

Under the new law, midwives, nurses, dentists and foot doctors will be allowed to certify patients to legally use medical cannabis. Under current law, that authority is restricted to physicians. The law was introduced by Delegate Dan K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore City).