Several changes up ahead for marijuana laws in Maryland
MARYLAND- “It really will be life changing for some many residents who have had to carry that burden on their record,” Churgai said.
The legalization of recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and over goes into effect July 1st in Maryland, but that isn’t the only change.
“Possession amounts between 1.5 ounces and 2.5 ounces will be subject to civil fines while the possession of greater quantities will be subject to existing criminal penalties,” Churgai said.
According to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, the new law also establishes a process for expunging all cases in which possession of fewer than 10 grams is the only charge and other expungement provisions.
Americans For Safe Access Executive Director Debbie Churgai says this will break down barriers for many Marylanders. “There will be a lot of opportunities open up for these people who have always had to kind of check ‘criminal’ on whatever application they were filling out,” Churgai said.
“I know when parents have to do things for their kids like field trips, they have to go through a background check. So that would be taken off their record for that.”
Those opportunities also include employment in the cannabis market, according to Curio Wellness Co-Founder Wendy Bronfein. “Overarching since the program began, if you had any sort of cannabis offense you couldn’t be a hire,” Bronfein said.
“Given that the expungement piece has now come on board and adult usage is coming, I think the mindset has moved forward enough that we should be able to look at there’s certain offenses that would not be appropriate and other’s that people should be able to be employed. ”
Although the new law creates a way for expunging those possession cases, we’re told it could be a lengthy process before those details are ironed out.
However, the state does have a deadline of removing all possession charges from court listings that date is July 1st of next year.
On July 1, adults 21 years old and older will be allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana for recreational use.
This comes after Marylander’s voted to pass the referendum in the general election last November.
To find out more about the Maryland chapter of Americans for Safe Access, click here
