Legal Recreational Weed Now Available in Maryland Dispensaries
Starting July 1, 2023, Maryland residents can now purchase recreational marijuana legally. Dispensaries throughout the state opened their doors to customers for the first time on July 3, with many excited and curious customers eager to make their first purchase.
According to WTOP, legalizing recreational marijuana in Maryland has been a long time coming. Adults ages 21 and older can now legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, and the possession of up to 2.5 ounces is decriminalized.
What to Expect When Buying Recreational Marijuana in Maryland
If you plan on making your first purchase of recreational marijuana in Maryland, here’s what you can expect. According to WYPR News, the average price per gram of marijuana in 2021 was $10.81. The cost of edibles is roughly $20 for 100 mg of THC-infused product package in Maryland.
It’s important to note that all cannabis is still illegal on a federal level and cannot be transported across state lines. So if you plan on buying marijuana in Maryland, it’s best to consume it in the state and not take it with you if you’re traveling elsewhere.
The Economic Impact of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
Legalizing recreational marijuana has created many jobs in other states, and Maryland is no exception. According to a report by Leafly and Whitney Economics, the marijuana industry created 77,000 jobs in 2020 alone. Across the country, the industry is expected to create over 300,000 jobs by 2025, according to the same report cited by NPR.
Legalizing recreational marijuana could also bring in a significant amount of tax revenue for Maryland. According to the same WTOP article cited earlier, the state is expected to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue from the sale.
