The landscape of cannabis regulations in the United States is continually evolving, with significant changes recently taking place in states like Pennsylvania and Maryland. Understanding these changes is crucial for stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and law enforcement.
In Pennsylvania, the Medical Marijuana Program’s final-form regulations were published on March 4, 2023, in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. These regulations, issued by the Department of Health (DOH), are critical for grower/processors and laboratories. Notably, on the same day, the Commonwealth Court issued an order temporarily enjoining DOH from enforcing certain aspects of these regulations.
The Cannabis Reform Act in Maryland, effective from May 3, 2023, has authorized existing licensed dispensaries to commence dual medical and adult-use sales starting July 1, 2023. This move creates a legal adult-use marketplace, reflecting a significant shift in cannabis policy in the state.
As of March 1, 2023, 21 states, including Washington D.C., Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, have enacted laws permitting the recreational use of marijuana. These state initiatives indicate a growing trend towards the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana across the United States.
Pennsylvania’s approach to the cannabis economy includes a 5 percent excise tax on gross receipts from the sale of medical marijuana by growers/processors to dispensaries. For individuals seeking to use medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, the first step involves registering in the Medical Marijuana Registry. This process requires a Pennsylvania driver’s license or an ID card for verification.
The Pennsylvania Hemp Program, following Act 44 of 2021, allows hemp growers to meet specific requirements for growing cannabis for medical use. This development is part of the broader regulatory framework overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Maryland’s law, meanwhile, focuses on social justice aspects, providing for the expungement of previous cannabis possession convictions by July 1, 2024. Additionally, the law sets forth a framework for legalized adult recreational sales, which began on December 1, 2022, and includes a multi-tiered tax structure.
In Nevada, cannabis laws allow private property owners to restrict cannabis-related activities. This regulation ensures that the rights of property owners are respected in the context of cannabis legalization.
For more detailed information on these evolving cannabis regulations, please refer to the respective official sources:
Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Regulations
Maryland Adult-Use Cannabis FAQs
Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board Laws & Regulations
