About the Program

The Howard County Health Department aims to:

  • Prevent the initiation of cannabis use and/or promote substance-use disorder counseling and treatment
  • Collect data on the public health effects of adult use cannabis legalization
  • Support referrals to substance use disorder counseling and treatment for individuals

Program Coordinator: Natalie Hall, nhall@howardcountymd.gov

What you need to know to be cannabis smart. Black text on yellow border with cannabis leaves in background

In Maryland, cannabis is legal for adults 21+, certified medical patients, and their caregivers with valid government-issued ID. Cannabis purchased in Maryland must remain in-state. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Maryland’s Recreational Cannabis Law

  • Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary with a government-issued photo ID
  • Cannabis can only be consumed in private homes and on private property. Use is prohibited in public places or in motor vehicles
  • Cannabis cannot be transported over state lines or sent through the U.S. mail
  • Two indoor cannabis plants can be grown per household, out of view.

For more information check out Maryland Cannabis Administration’s guide, “What you need to know to BeCannabisSmart

Helplines

  • Medical Attention: 9-1-1
  • Dependence or Mental Health Support: 9-8-8
  • Maryland Poison Center: 800-222-1222
  • Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Additional information can be found on the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s website.

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Cannabis

Content

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
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Cannabis Storage

Content

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

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THC Maryland icon. Red triangle with text in middle.
  • 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.
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Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement

Content

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.

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Cannabis Use Disorder and Mental Health

Content

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).

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Cannabis Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Content
  • 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.
Content

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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Cannabis Trusted Source icon
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Report a Cannabis Violation

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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.
 

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