Cannabis Education and Safe Use Guidance

Cannabis has two main chemicals that affect the brain in different ways:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) causes the “high” feeling
  • The amount of THC, type of product, and how it is consumed affects how “high” the person feels
  • Effects vary from person to person, and someone may feel different each time they consume
• CBD (cannabidiol) does not provide a “high” but can have other effects on the body and mind

THC Potency

• Consuming products with large amounts of THC can result in an unpredictable “high” and come with a greater risk of unwanted side effects. Frequent use of THC products with high potency may lead to cannabis use disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.
• What is high potency cannabis?
  • Cannabis flower with more than 20% THC
  • Edibles with more than 5 mg of THC

​​​​​​Store Up, Away, and Out of Sight

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• Cannabis should be kept in its original child-resistant packaging that displays the THC content and warning label.
• Lock-boxes and safes are available online and at some dispensaries
• The best safeguard is to keep cannabis locked away from children and pets.

Cannabis in Maryland is overseen by two state agencies with distinct responsibilities

• Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) is responsible for regulating the state’s legal cannabis market, which includes both medical and adult-use products. Major responsibilities include:
  • Licensing
  • Compliance
  • Education and Outreach
  • Policy and Research

For more information visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration website, https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx. 

• Maryland’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) is responsible for enforcing Maryland laws regarding the illegal or unlicensed sale of cannabis and other intoxicating THC products. ATCC focuses on:
  • Addressing unlicensed products, such as Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC, that are sold in places like gas stations and vape shops.
  • Enforcing packaging and labeling standards for all THC products, including those sold outside the licensed market.
  • Taking action against unlicensed vendors to protect public health and safety.

For more information on THC compliance standards visit the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission website.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5 Cannabis Use Disorder is the presence of clinically significant impairment or distress in 12 months, manifested by at least 2 of the following:

• Cannabis is taken in larger amounts or used over a longer period than intended
• Persistent desire to cut down with unsuccessful attempts
• Excessive time spent acquiring cannabis, using cannabis, or recovering from its effects
• Cravings for cannabis use
• Recurrent use resulting in neglect of social obligations
• Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities foregone to be able to use cannabis
• Continued use despite physical harm
• Continued use despite physical or psychological problems associated with cannabis use
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis 

Frequent use of THC products with high potency may lead to cannabis use disorder, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that are not there).

• No amount of cannabis is known to be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• All forms of cannabis use can put a baby’s health at risk, including smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating, drinking, or applying THC lotions.
• THC passes to the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• “Pumping and dumping” is not effective because THC stays in the body for a long time.
• Talk to your doctor if you need help stopping or for safter options to treat pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, nausea, stress, or pain.

For Parents and Caregivers

• Talking to Teens about Cannabis Use
• Cannabis: What Parents and Educators Should Know
• Cannabis and Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• Keeping Children and Pets Safe

For Youth

• Cannabis: What Teens and Young Adults Should Know

Videos

• Preventing Youth Use: Expert Advice for Parents/Caregivers
• Preventing Accidental Exposure
• Respect the Effect
• Respect Each Other

Additional printable materials and videos are available on Maryland’s Be Cannabis Smart website, https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/BeCannabisSmart.aspx.

Adults 21 years of age or older can possess: 

• 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower (pre-packaged flower, pre-rolls) 
• 12 grams of concentrated cannabis (vapes, wax, shatter, butter/budder, resin) 
• 750 milligrams (mg) of THC (edibles, beverages, capsules, tinctures) 

Maryland licensed dispensaries follow strict state guidelines on processing, lab testing, packaging, and labeling.  

Maryland licensed dispensaries display the Trusted Source sign below in their windows to let consumers know their products follow the state guidelines.  

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• Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) is responsible for regulating the state’s legal cannabis market, which includes both medical and adult-use products. To report an issue with a cannabis product or business, complete the MCA Report an Incident form.
• Maryland’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) is responsible for enforcing Maryland laws regarding the illegal or unlicensed sale of cannabis and other intoxicating THC products. To report a violation or non-compliance visit, https://atcc.maryland.gov/tips.