Cannabis Business Legal Compliance in Maryland
- Maryland Cannabis
- Cannabis Business in MD
- Cannabis Business Legal Compliance in Maryland
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Key Points
- The MCA ensures legal compliance in Maryland’s medical and adult-use cannabis industry by regulating business operations, including cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution.
Cannabis Legal Compliance in Maryland
In Maryland, the Maryland Cannabis Administration is responsible for ensuring legal compliance across the state’s expanding medical and adult-use cannabis industry. The MCA regulates critical business operations, including cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution of cannabis products, to maintain compliance with state laws. For business owners and professionals, understanding these regulations is essential to navigating licensing, operational standards, and product safety requirements. The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) provides resources and guidance for legal and business professionals, offering tools to address the complexities of compliance, contracts, and other legal challenges in the cannabis industry.
| Attorneys Who Work With Cannabis-Related Issues in Maryland | Area of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Alpert Schreyer | Criminal Defense |
| Carey Law Office, LLC | Criminal Defense |
| Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg | Criminal Defense |
| Coon & Cole, LLC | Business Compliance |
| Goodell DeVries | Business Compliance |
| Kevin I. Goldberg | Business Compliance |
| Marcus Bonsib, LLC | Business Compliance |
| Maryland Criminal Defense Law Group | Criminal Defense |
| Price Benowitz LLP | Criminal Defense |
| Scrofano Law, PC | Criminal Defense |
| The Herbst Firm | Criminal Defense |
| The Law Offices of Steven D. Kupferberg | Criminal Defense |
| Vicente LLP | Business Compliance |
- Are you a Maryland-licensed Attorney offering services to cannabis-related businesses? Request to be listed .
Why Cannabis Businesses in Maryland Need Specialized Legal Expertise
While many legal services for cannabis businesses resemble those provided to other industries, cannabis attorneys bring specialized knowledge to address the unique challenges this sector faces. Key differences include:
- Federal Illegality: Despite state-level legalization, cannabis remains illegal under federal law, leading to complexities in banking, interstate commerce, and taxation. A cannabis business attorney helps businesses navigate these challenges and mitigate potential risks.
- State and Local Regulations: Cannabis laws and regulations vary widely between states and even among local jurisdictions. A cannabis attorney with expertise in Maryland’s specific regulatory framework ensures businesses stay compliant with all applicable rules.
Maryland Cannabis Penalties: Illegal Possession, Sales, and Distribution
Despite legalization, penalties apply for illegal cannabis possession, sale, or distribution. Severity depends on the amount, intent, and age.
Possession:
- Adults 21+: Legal to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12g concentrates, or 750mg THC products.
- Under 21: Civil penalties include fines, drug education, and possible treatment referral.
- Civil Use Amount: Possessing 1.5–2.5 ounces results in a fine up to $250.
- Above Civil Use: Over 2.5 ounces can result in misdemeanor charges with harsher penalties.
- 50+ lbs: Felony charge, up to 5 years imprisonment, and $100,000 fine.
Sales/Distribution:
- Without a License: Misdemeanor, up to 3 years imprisonment, and/or $5,000 fine.
- Involving Minors: Felony, up to 20 years imprisonment, and $20,000 fine.
For cannabis business owners and individuals alike, encountering legal issues can be a daunting experience. This is where a criminal defense attorney specializing in cannabis law becomes invaluable.