Maryland, where the state legislature approved medical marijuana in 2014, today became the 20th state to allow recreational use of cannabis. With 66 percent of ballots reported, 65 percent of voters had said yes to Question 4, a constitutional amendment that allows adults 21 or older to "use and possess cannabis." The amendment also says the Maryland General Assembly "shall, by law, provide for the use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation of cannabis within the state."
In April, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, allowed a bill filling in some of the details to become law without his signature. As of January 1, H.B. 837 makes it legal for adults to purchase and possess up to an ounce and a half of marijuana. It also eliminates criminal penalties for possessing two and a half ounces or less.
