MD Dispensaries

Back in the 1980’s Kurt Schmoke, Baltimore’s progressive mayor was a strong advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana. He felt the War on Drugs was a waste of resources and that it unfairly targeted minorities. Three decades later, Governor Martin O’Malley would successfully decriminalize the possession of small amounts (10 grams or less) of marijuana in the state of Maryland. This measure provided a stepping stone towards the legitimization of medical marijuana in the state.

In spite of the bold move enacted by Governor O’Malley, years would pass before medical marijuana was legalized in Maryland. The Governor would eventually sign HB 881 in 2014, creating the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) thereby establishing guidelines and regulations for the medical marijuana industry. The bill covered many aspects of the fledgling industry including consumption, cultivation, possession, and distribution of cannabis to patients 18 years of age and older.

The MMCC is responsible for all testing, licensing, registration, and inspection of all aspects of Maryland’s medical marijuana program. They also oversee the patient and caregiver registry to ensure the safety and availability of medical marijuana to all registered patients in the state.

In December of 2017, Maryland’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened its doors to the public. By the end of 2018, more than 70 dispensaries were opened throughout the state. In the first year, more than 60,000 patients were registered and the industry reported almost $100 million in revenue.

HB 617/ SB 604, a bill allowing the administration of medical marijuana to qualified students during school hours and events was signed by Governor Hogan in May of 2020. This bill was also known as “Connor and Raina’s Law.”

In August 2019, the MMCC released its regulatory changes, adding dentists, podiatrists, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners to the list of eligible providers.

On October 1, 2020, a bill permitting physician assistants to prescribe medical marijuana to qualifying patients was put into effect without the governor’s signature.