Post-July 1: Deciphering Maryland’s Marijuana Laws
After July 1, Maryland’s marijuana laws will step into a new age. The complexities surrounding these laws can be puzzling, hence understanding where and when marijuana remains illegal is crucial.
Possession and Consumption: The Limits
While adults in Maryland over 21 can procure and possess cannabis from July 1, federal law hasn’t followed suit. The regulations prohibit interstate marijuana transport and consumption on federal property, including national parks and military bases. Furthermore, Maryland’s marijuana laws ban public consumption.
The Impaired Driving Dilemma
A surge in driving under the influence of marijuana presents a significant concern to law enforcement agencies. Determining and measuring impairment from marijuana, in contrast to alcohol, presents a formidable challenge.
Smoking in Public: What’s the Verdict?
No, it’s not allowed. According to Maryland law, smoking cannabis in a public place is a civil offense, punishable by up to a $50 fine for first-time offenders. Also, it’s illegal for a driver to smoke while driving. However, you can smoke in private spaces like your home, a friend’s home, or a neighbor’s garage, provided that renters adhere to restrictions from landlords or property managers. The General Assembly’s bill setting up the legal recreational market also allows for the creation of 15 designated-use cafes where people can smoke socially, avoiding penalties for public smoking. Currently, only one such cafe exists in the state — Ceylon House in Montgomery County, which is restricted to medical marijuana patients.
Deploying Drug-Recognition Experts
To counter this challenge, Maryland now employs 190 drug-recognition experts. These professionals, backed by rigorous training, are tasked with identifying, testing, and providing expert testimony about individuals driving under marijuana influence.
Adjusting to New Legal Protocols
From July 1, Maryland’s marijuana laws will no longer consider the scent of marijuana as probable cause for a vehicle search. This change necessitates law enforcement to probe more deeply to establish a probable cause.
The Employment Question
Despite the legalization of marijuana in Maryland, employers retain the right to enforce policies against its use. As Maryland operates under an at-will employment system, testing positive for marijuana can lead to termination.
To navigate the evolving landscape of Maryland’s marijuana laws, stay informed and don’t hesitate to seek clarification for any legal uncertainties.
