Cannabis is legal for adults 21+ in Maryland.
Know the laws, be safe, and learn how to protect youth.
Be informed. Be responsible. Be Cannabis Smart.
Smoke-free Spaces: Let's respect each other.
Help keep Maryland's public spaces vibrant and enjoyable for everyone.
Where
can I smoke cannabis?
Generally speaking, it’s legal to smoke cannabis in private homes and on private property. However, if you rent or live in an HOA, additional restrictions may apply. Check your rental or HOA agreement.
Where
can’t I smoke cannabis?
Smoking cannabis is not permitted in indoor and outdoor public spaces. That means parks and playgrounds, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, moving cars* and public transportation (buses, vans, trains, cabs, limousines).
Remember, there are outdoor places where tobacco can be smoked but cannabis can’t.
*Smoking in moving cars is a safety risk and exposes other occupants to secondhand smoke odor and chemicals.
What else do I need to know?
Smoking cannabis in public spaces can expose others—including children—to secondhand smoke. Plus, not everyone enjoys the smell. By respecting smoke-free spaces and the preferences of others, you can help contribute to a positive cannabis culture within your community.
Drugged Driving: Take it seriously. Respect the effect.
Driving even
a little high can wreck you.
Cannabis and driving don’t mix! Being even a little high behind the wheel can wreck you—protect yourself and others on the road.
How does cannabis influence my driving?
Cannabis affects areas of the brain that control balance, coordination, memory, and judgment.1 On the road, this can result in slower reaction time, decreased ability to concentrate and make decisions, and reduced awareness of time and distance, which are critical for safe and alert driving.
How long should I wait to drive after using cannabis?
Research suggests waiting six hours after using cannabis before driving.2 However, effects from edibles can be delayed, and last up to 12 hours. If you’ve mixed cannabis with other substances like alcohol, plan to wait even longer before driving. Remember—if you feel different, you drive different.
Can I get a DUI?
Yes. Using cannabis while driving (by a driver or passenger) and driving under the influence of cannabis is against the law. If you are impaired while driving, you can get a DUI — even as a certified patient with a medical card.
What else should I know?
No matter what you may have heard, cannabis is a drug with impairing effects — it doesn’t make you laser-focused or a better driver. Driving even a little high is never as safe as driving sober.
It’s not just you on the road.
If you’re going to consume cannabis, stay at home, or make a plan for a safe and sober driver, every time! Protect yourself and others—let’s keep Maryland safe!
Cannabis and Driving Fact Sheet
Safe storage: Lock it up. Every time!
Cannabis can be toxic to kids (and pets).
Kids are curious. Many edible cannabis products look and taste like candy, drinks, or baked goods that may appear harmless. And if kids find it -- left out on a counter, in the fridge, or in a purse or bag -- they aren't likely to eat just one chew or piece of chocolate. Consumption of even small amounts by young children can lead to traumatic events for both parents and children, including vomiting, extreme lethargy, and problems breathing. Calls to poison centers and emergency department visits due to unintentional exposure by young children have been increasing.
Cannabis isn't for kids. Keep them safe.
- All edibles in licensed dispensaries in Maryland are required to be sold in child-resistant packaging. Keep products in the original packaging so you know what it is and always re-seal it after use.
- Additionally, store cannabis products just like you would other household products like medicines and cleaning products — up, away, and out of sight of children and pets.
- The best protection is to keep products locked up in a safe or a low-cost lock box/bag that can be purchased at pharmacies, online, and at some dispensaries.
- Many accidental exposures happen when cannabis is left out after adult use. Make it a habit to return cannabis to a safe/locked place — up, away, and out of sight — after use. Every time.
It only takes a few seconds to lock-up and safely store cannabis. By making it a habit, accidents can be prevented.
Safe Storage Fact Sheet
If you think your child ingested cannabis, call the Maryland Poison Center at (800) 222-1222 or go to an emergency room right away. Poison Center calls are free and confidential. For pets, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fee applies).
Adult-Use Cannabis in Maryland: What's Legal
Effective 7/1/23, Marylanders 21+ can legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Get the facts on the new law and learn about safe and responsible consumption.
