Are you a cannabis user planning a move to Maryland? If so, it’s essential you understand the state policies regarding marijuana to avoid any issues with the law. In this article, we’ll be discussing the legality of cannabis and how you can legally obtain it in the state of Maryland. So please be sure to read on!
The legality of Cannabis Use in Maryland
Cannabis is currently legal in Maryland but only under strict circumstances. It has not yet been approved for recreational use, and the only way to consume it legally in the state is under the direction of a doctor for medicinal purposes. Currently, carrying less than 10 ounces of the substance without a prescription has been decriminalized. Anything above that amount, however, can be punishable. There have been many efforts to loosen the restrictions on marijuana in Maryland, but few have shown results so far.
The only places to legally obtain marijuana in Maryland are dispensaries licensed by the state. These are highly regulated, and only those registered with the MMCC and valid written certification from a registeredMaryland medicinal marijuana doctorcan purchase cannabis.
Below we’ve outlined a more detailed summary of how you can go about lawfully purchasing cannabis in Maryland.
Visit a Licensed Marijuana Physician
To purchase cannabis, you must be legally approved by a physician. This can’t be any doctor, and they must be specifically licensed to provide medicinal marijuana referrals. These licenses are issued through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, which regulates marijuana. If approved, you then must register with the MMCC as a patient.
As per Maryland law, you must also have a working relationship with your doctor. The doctor has to interview and examine you, whether in-person, by phone, or online. You must also have one of the approved medical conditions for marijuana treatments. In practice, any condition that your doctor feels can be helped with marijuana could qualify. The most common ones include cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When you speak with or visit the doctor, you will need to provide your medical information, but you do not have to submit medical documents if you do not have them available.
Get Placed on the Maryland Medical Marijuana Registry
When you register with the MMCC, you will be placed on their registry of qualified patients. At this point, you will be issued a card that identifies you as a patient who can legally purchase cannabis. If you are a minor, you will need a parent or guardian to register and be with you when buying or using marijuana. Applying for the registry does come with a $50 fee that is required whether or not you eventually get approved.
Visit a Dispensary
Purchasing cannabis in Maryland can only be done at a state-licensed dispensary. A marijuana card does not allow you to buy and possess cannabis from anyone else. You must purchase yourself unless you qualify to have someone else designated to pick it up for you. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult registered with the MMCC. They don’t have to be patients, but they must still be recorded.
Since Maryland legalized medicinal marijuana in 2014, dispensaries have been popping up all over the state, making it easier than ever for patients to get the help they need. It’s been fascinating for people to find relief that they either lived within silence or resorted to illegal purchases to get. Medicinal marijuana can provide many benefits for patients with many different ailments. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, then make sure to visit a marijuana doctor to talk about your medical issues. If cannabis can help you, your doctor will provide you with a prescription.
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