The Question 4 (also known as Marijuana Legalization Amendment) was approved in Maryland by voters on November 8. This initiative amended the Maryland Constitution to include Article XX, which permits cannabis consumption by adults over 21 years old starting July 1, 2023. The amendment also instructs the Maryland General Assembly to “provide for the use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation of cannabis within the state.”
House Bill 837 is the companion legislation. This law was passed by voters after Question 4. Possession of up to 15 grams of dried cannabis and 10 grams of concentrated marijuana are immediately removed from criminal record. They will also be legalized for possession after January 1, 2023. This bill gives residents the ability to cultivate two cannabis plants at their homes and instantly expunges those with convictions for cannabis crimes. The bill also allows the establishment of the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund to assist women- and minority-owned cannabis businesses, as well as the Cannabis Public Health Fund, which consists of important industry representatives and legislators who will implement change based upon studies on youth impact and reporting data.
The “Yes on 4” campaign led the charge with this initiative, which is chaired by former NFL athlete Eugene Monroe. The initiative’s success can also be attributed to donors such as SunMed Growers, Trulieve Medical Cannabis Dispensary, Curio Wellness, Marijuana Policy Project, and Green Thumb Industries.
