Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith officially certified an adult-use cannabis legalization measure for the state’s November ballot Aug. 2.
Elections officials finalized the language for the referendum, as well as issued a formal summary of the proposal, which was initiated by the General Assembly earlier this year.
The Maryland House and Senate approved a constitutional amendment for the ballot via House Bill 1, asking the state’s constituency if it favors the legalization of cannabis use by those 21 and older by July 1, 2023.
Separately, the General Assembly also passed House Bill 837 during this year’s legislative session to allow adults 21 and older to purchase and possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, 12 grams of concentrate, 750 milligrams of delta-9 THC or two plants for personal use. H.B. 837 also decriminalized the possession of up to 2.5 ounces as a civil offense rather than a misdemeanor.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan let both pieces of legislation become law without his signature.
The constitutional amendment will appear before voters in November as Question 4, which asks: “Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?”
If voters approve the adult-use legalization measure this year, lawmakers would then determine more specific parameters for the market, such as a business licensing process and tax structure, during next year’s legislative session.