Regarding implementation of the law pertaining to medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) oil, Maryland seems to be ahead of most states in the U.S. The state administration promises its constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders excellent service, and this does show in the way its medical marijuana program is run.
Yet despite this efficiency, Marylanders are still asking questions—some regarding the law, others to do with the state's medical marijuana program and where to get medical cannabis or CBD products.
We collated the most necessary information in an accessible question-and-answer format.
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Concerning marijuana, including CBD oil, Maryland law allows possession if you are registered with the Maryland Medical Marijuana Cannabis Commision (MMCC). This has been the case since 2014, and the program is now running at full throttle—approximately 60 dispensaries recently opened statewide. [1][2]
Recreational marijuana use is still considered illegal in this state.
However, hemp-derived CBD oil is a different story. Thankfully, it is 100% legal in all states of America, as was clarified by the DOJ this year. [4]
CBD is indicated for quite a number of health issues, and you will not be breaking any law if the CBD you use was extracted from the mature stalks or the sterilized seeds of hemp. Hemp is a variety of theCannabis sativa L.plant.
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State laws are not a legal defense to a violation of national law. This means that Maryland's laws for possession and use of medical marijuana will not protect you against federal prosecution. This is because marijuana is still considered a Schedule I drug by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and it is therefore illegal.
That said, there is a defense that prohibits the DOJ from interfering with state medical marijuana programs. This provision has been interpreted in courts to protect individuals who comply with state laws in this regard. [3]
Yes. Every patient is entitled to register two caregivers. Family members are accepted as caregivers.
No, it doesn't. Employers can take action against you for testing positive for marijuana, no matter your reason for using it.
No. Only if you are a Maryland resident and have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying debilitating diseases listed in the law will you be able to register.
Regulations stipulate that any out-of-state patient can apply for a written certification to get their medical cannabis in Maryland. Yet at the time of writing, there was still an administrative hold on these applications. [5]
The MMCC list includes patients who suffer from any disease that causes them to experience any of the following symptoms:
Patients with chronic or debilitating medical conditions or diseases who have been admitted to a hospice or are receiving palliative care may also register for the program.
The same goes for patients diagnosed with any acute condition unresponsive to other medications and that will reasonably respond to medical marijuana.
The MMCC also lists glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as qualifying diseases. [6]
Below are the basic steps you need to follow to obtain registration with the Commission in order to obtain medical cannabis legally. The application is cost-free.
For requirements and detailed information, visit the Maryland Medical Marijuana Commissionwebsite.
The list of Maryland-licensed dispensaries was recently added to the MMCC website. Find ithere.
CBD products can be also be bought online. Be sure to purchase from a reputable vendor with high-quality CBD in their products.
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Yes, as long as you are MMCC-registered.
At this stage, only the following preparations are permitted:
Your provider (prescribing physician) will stipulate how much cannabis dried flower and THC you may buy in a 30-day period. This is not a calendar month, but a “rolling 30-day” limit.
No, the law does not allow this.
Yes, as long as the child meets the criteria for treatment. A parent or guardian must be a caregiver.
Yes, they can, but they need to get permission through the Veteran Affairs health system to use the products as part of their medical treatment plan.
No, not at this stage.
So, to get your medical cannabis and CBD oil, Maryland seems to be a good choice with easy access. Never attempt to self-medicate with CBD oil for serious illness without the knowledge of your doctor.
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