From July 1st, 2023, cannabis will be legal for adults in Maryland. This landmark day came about thanks to voters’ approval of adult use legalization, which was on the 2022 ballot.
Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 556 and Senate Bill 516 to develop a framework for beginning adult-use sales. As of July 1st, this legislation will become effective, making Maryland the 21st state to legalize recreational marijuana.
What does this mean for Marylanders?
For Marylanders, the free state will take on a new meaning as anyone over the age of 21 will be able to legally buy cannabis and other cannabis-derived products for recreational use. So it really will be living up to its “free” reputation.
Cannabis won’t be restricted to those with a prescription to treat ailments such as anxiety and chronic pain. It will be available for those who want to use it for meditation, to relax, and enter a high state of self-awareness.
While, at first, only the existing dispensary will be able to sell these products, new licenses will be available under the regulatory structure for new cannabis growers and sellers to supply the market. A 9% tax will be added to recreational marijuana.
There will be some limits on the quantity of cannabis or cannabis-derived products an individual can have at any one time. You can see our previous article for details on what the provisions include.
The new laws permit those over 21 to possess no more than 750mg of THC at one time, and that can be in different forms. It will be legal to possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower or 12 grams of cannabis concentrates.
Cannabis-derived products such as edibles, oils, tinctures, and vape cartridges can also be legally purchased.
Can I vape or smoke in public?
You won’t be able to smoke or vape weed in public places. So smoking in the park, in bars, restaurants, on public transport, on sidewalks, or out in nature will be illegal.
But you can consume weed at your own or a friend’s house and on private property.
Things everyone should know about cannabis
As with all things legal, it will attract more users, but before trying cannabis, there are a few important things you should know first.
Intention matters
If you choose to use marijuana, think through the experiences you want and those you’d rather avoid. Knowing how you want to use marijuana and what you want to experience can help you tailor your use to avoid unwanted experiences and think through other ways to get the desired outcome.
Set and Setting play an essential role in the sort of cannabis experience you will have.
The idea of psychologically and physically preparing for an altered state of consciousness spans back to antiquity.
If you want a peaceful and tranquil experience, you should consume cannabis in a serene environment. Make sure you clear your schedule and have nothing to do and nowhere to be for several hours. You don’t want to have that anxiety of having an important phone call or meeting to attend in the back of your mind.
Prepare some snacks in advance, ensure you have plenty of water on hand, and if it is your first time, consider having a close friend to help guide you through the experience.
How to consume cannabis
Smoking is still the most common way to consume cannabis. However, vaping is a close second. Edibles are also popular as they are easy to consume. Tinctures are also a good option for easy dosage control and fast acting.
Many people will be put off smoking weed due to health concerns, and even if you are okay with smoking, using a pipe requires extra paraphernalia, and not everyone can roll a joint. However, most dispensaries sell pre-rolled joints, which is an easy option, but vaping, tinctures, or edibles are a better way to go, especially if you are a non-smoker.
Dosage is important
If you are trying edibles, check the ingredient and recommended serving size. Usually, this is no more than 10mg of THC. However, everyone’s tolerance is different, so start slowly and try 2.5mg. Remember that it can take 2 hours or more for edibles to begin to take effect and up to 4 hrs for the full effect to kick in. So be patient and don’t overdo it.
Consuming THC in a vape pen is an easy way to control dosage.
You can buy a vape cartridge and vape battery easily and they are very affordable.
If you don’t mind vaping, then this is an excellent way to go with your first cannabis experience.
Vape cartridges can contain 60% to 90% THC, so you only need a couple of puffs to start feeling the effects. Make sure you know how potent the vape is you are using.
Vaping allows the cannabinoids to enter your body very quickly, so you should start to feel the effects in a few minutes.
Wait at least 10 minutes to start feeling the full effects before you decide if you need to take any more or if you found the right high.
Cannabis tinctures are liquid, cannabis-infused products. You can take them sublingually by placing a drop under your tongue.
Avoid mixing
Do not take different cannabis products, such as edibles and tinctures, at the same time. Additionally, don’t mix cannabis with other drugs like alcohol. Play it safe and only use one substance at a time.
Cannabis may alter the effects and/or potency of prescription medication. Check with your doctor and get professional medical advice before consuming cannabis.
Don’t do any high-risk activities
Cannabis can impair your motor skills and balance, so you should put off any activities like driving, skiing, or swimming for several hours.
Round up
If you follow this advice before deciding if you want to try recreational marijuana, then you should have a positive experience benefiting you psychologically and physically.
Many people have found it beneficial for treating anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, PTSD, and other ailments.
Be aware that the health impacts of cannabis use are not fully known, and further research is needed before it can be said to be safe. Just because a product is legal does not mean it is safe for anyone to use.
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