The legislature is currently considering HB 2, a bill that would provide for more growing and processing licenses to be awarded with the intention to boost minority-owned businesses in the state. HB 881, the law that established the medical marijuana program, encourages minority-owned business participation; a Disparity Analysis published by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission outlines the ways in which this goal was not met.
Maryland Cannabis Law History
After it nearly unanimously passed the Senate and was voted in favor of by the House of Delegates, a bill that effectively legalized the use of medical marijuana and called for a state-run program to regulate it was signed by Governor Martin O’Malley in May 2013. The bill created the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee the licensing of medical marijuana facilities, as well as provide information and guidance to patients, caregivers, and physicians.
The medical marijuana program struggled for several years to get off of the ground, but it finally became operational in the final weeks of 2017.
Qualifying Conditions
Certified physicians may only recommend medical marijuana for the following conditions:
- Cachexia
- Anorexia
- Wasting Syndrome
- Severe pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
- Glaucoma,
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Chronic pain