USA: Maryland is 20th state to fully legalize cannabis, allowing self-cultivation

More than 65% voted yesterday in favor of full legalization of cannabis in the state of Maryland, which thus became the 20th state in the United States of America (USA) to fully legalize cannabis use and the second to do so through on one referendum. Os State lawmakers will now set rules to regulate the production and sale of cannabis for adult use, including the possibility of growing two plants at home.

The reforms are the result of a referendum that was voted on yesterday in the state of Maryland, where the inhabitants responded to the Question 4🇧🇷 Voters were asked whether they would be in favor or against legalizing adult cannabis use for those over 21, starting in July 2023: 965,120 (or 65.5%) voted in favor, while 507,411 (34.4%) responded. against.

Issue 4 thus amended the Maryland Constitution to add a new article, Article XX, which now authorizes individuals 21 years of age and older to use and carry cannabis. The new section also authorized the Maryland General Assembly to "provide for the use, distribution, possession, regulation and taxation of cannabis within the state."

In voting in favor of Issue 4, voters also approved the enactment of separate supplementary legislation (HB 837) that sets limits on cannabis transport and facilitates the automatic review and purge of minor cannabis convictions. Adults will legally be able to own up to 1,5 ounces of cannabis (42,5 grams) and/or 12 grams of cannabis concentrates as of July 2023. Users will also be able to grow up to two plants at home for their own personal use.

Cannabis is already legal for medical use in Maryland under a 2013 law. In April 2014 it was also established that the transport of 10 grams or less of cannabis would be decriminalized.