Recreational Cannabis Use and Possession in Maryland FAQ’s
Maryland Legal Aid is part of a joint grant funded by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) that supports cannabis expungementRemoving convictions from criminal records. More.
Visit the Fresh Leaf Maryland website for additional information and resources.
Beginning October 1, 2023, the State of Maryland has dramatically reduced many of the wait times for criminal record expungementRemoving convictions from criminal records. More.
Video Resources
What is expungement?
What is the process for the expungement of records?
What does my disposition mean?
How do I look up my record for expungement?
What is eligible for expungement?
How do the “Unit Rule” and probation impact expungement eligibility?
What forms do I need to expunge a conviction?
What forms do I need to expunge a non-conviction?
How do I complete a petition for expungement?
What is allowed under the new cannabis law?
Visit one of our FREE legal/expungement clinics to check if you’re eligible!
Maryland voted to legalize some amounts of cannabis use and possession. Under the enabling legislation, adults 21 and older may possess, use, and grow cannabis. Marijuana is now referred to as cannabis by Maryland laws. Cannabis possession and use became legal on July 1, 2023.
Will past marijuana possession charges be expunged?
Yes, but the expungementRemoving convictions from criminal records. More is not automatic. The new law allows individuals convicted of marijuana possession (under Criminal Law 5-601) to request an expungementRemoving convictions from criminal records. More after the successful completion of the sentence. Learn more about expungementRemoving convictions from criminal records. More.
The law also prohibits the Maryland Judiciary Case Search database from displaying case records where marijuana possession (under Criminal Law 5-601) was the only charge.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-110 and 10-111
For more information on Recreational Cannabis Use and Possession in Maryland visit: