Maryland Recreational Cannabis on the Ballot
Maryland Recreational Cannabis on the Ballot
The past two years have been milestones for cannabis legalization in the U.S., with Arizona, Montana, and New Jersey passing legislation in 2020, and New York, Virginia, New Mexico, and Connecticut following in 2021. This year, Rhode Island joined its neighbors in passing adult-use cannabis, bringing the total number of recreational state programs to 19. With Rhode Island leading, 2022 stands to be another landmark year with six states voting on cannabis legalization ballot measures this November.
Maryland
Expected Sale Start: The referendum would take effect July 1, 2023.
Type: Expected to be a limited license market.
Ballot Predictions: Pass
Overview: House Bill 1 would allow adult-use marijuana possession and use by consumers would become legal in July 2023. If passed, lawmakers would need to enact additional legislation to establish rules and regulations governing a legally regulated cannabis marketplace.
Question 4 would amend the Maryland Constitution to add a new article, Article XX, which would authorize individuals 21 years of age or older to use and possess marijuana. The added section also authorizes the Maryland General Assembly to “provide for the use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation of cannabis within the state.” During the 2022 legislative session, the state legislature also passed the implementing legislation that would take effect once the amendment is adopted.[2]
Currently, marijuana is legal for medicinal use in Maryland under a 2013 law. In April 2014, possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana was decriminalized.[3][4]
The ballot title is as follows:[2
Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?
[ ] For the constitutional amendment
[ ] Against the constitutional amendment[8]