Maryland lawmakers introduced two bills that allow adult marijuana users to make edibles or concentrates.
The state cannabis law allows for adults to grow their own plants. However, Dels. David Moon and Luke Clippinger, as well Sen. William Smith would allow them to expand the options they have by including non-flower cannabis products made in their homes.
The measure would prohibit the use explosive solvents for creating cannabis concentrates.
In the Senate, the Judicial Proceedings Committee cleared its first stop on Tuesday. The House of Delegates’ version had already been passed by the entire chamber in early February. The Senate’s companion legislation, presided over by its sponsor, was also heard on Tuesday.
According to the new legislation, possession of cannabis that is more than 50 pounds in weight, or cultivation of it, and its distribution will no longer constitute a crime punishable with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years. The misdemeanor would carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or $50,000 fine.
The law would also empower those who face prison sentences that include a minimum mandatory sentence for cannabis related convictions, to ask the court for a modification of their sentence.
Cannabis is legal in Maryland. The Marijuana Policy Project’s (MPP) advisory stated that making tinctures and edibles for personal consumption at home shouldn’t be illegal. This is not only cost effective, but it also reduces the amount of time rural Marylanders spend traveling to dispensaries located far away. A five-year sentence for cannabis possession is excessive.
Bills also address non-marijuana related issues. For example, they increase penalties for gun crimes.
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The Maryland Senate had passed the measure last week to prevent firefighter and rescuers from facing penalties for using medical marijuana while off duty.
The employer could not discriminate or discipline the public safety firefighter or rescuer based on the result of a THC screening.
In January, officials in Maryland’s most populous county separately said they were moving to loosen marijuana policies for would-be police officers in an effort to boost recruitment amid a staffing shortage.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) last month touted legislation in his State of the State address that would expand opportunities for people to have their criminal records for marijuana expunged, allowing people who violated terms of their parole or probation to petition courts to erase those records.
New Hampshire House passes Marijuana Legalization Bill, Psilocybin decriminalization and Medical Cannabis Expansion.
Brian Shamblen provided the photo.
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