Author: Dale HewettTL;DR – Hemp-derived CBD with 0.3% THC or less is fully legal in Maryland. Maryland also legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, with retail sales beginning in July 2023. Whether you are shopping for hemp CBD at a health store or visiting a licensed dispensary, Maryland offers one of the more comprehensive legal cannabis environments on the East Coast. Always verify your hemp CBD products with third-party lab results before purchasing.
CBD Legality in Maryland: The Short Answer
CBD is legal in Maryland. Hemp-derived CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less are fully permitted throughout the state under both Maryland law and the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Maryland has also legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older, making it one of the growing number of states with a comprehensive approach to cannabis policy.
If you are in Maryland and considering purchasing CBD, you have a wide range of options available to you. From standard hemp CBD oils and gummies at health food stores to full-spectrum cannabis products at licensed recreational dispensaries, the state has one of the more open and well-regulated cannabis markets on the East Coast. This guide will break down what you need to know about CBD and cannabis law in Maryland.
The Federal Foundation: The 2018 Farm Bill
The legal story of CBD in Maryland, as in every state, begins at the federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill fundamentally changed U.S. law by creating a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. Prior to this legislation, all cannabis, regardless of THC content, was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
The 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp as the cannabis sativa plant and any derivative containing 0.3% or less delta-9 THC by dry weight. Hemp and hemp-derived products, including CBD, were removed from Schedule I as a result. This paved the way for a national hemp CBD market and gave states the legal foundation to build their own hemp programs.
Maryland was actually ahead of the curve on this issue. The state defined industrial hemp as separate from marijuana in 2013, several years before the federal 2018 Farm Bill codified the same distinction nationally. This early recognition of hemp as a distinct agricultural product helped Maryland build a strong hemp program and a mature CBD market.
Maryland’s Hemp Program and CBD Laws
Maryland’s hemp program is administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. The department licenses hemp growers and processors, establishes testing standards, and oversees compliance with state and federal hemp law. Hemp grown or processed in Maryland must meet the same 0.3% THC threshold established by federal law.
For consumers, Maryland law permits the purchase, possession, and use of hemp-derived CBD products without any special permit, prescription, or medical certification. CBD oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, and other hemp-derived products are available at retail locations throughout the state and can be shipped to Maryland from online retailers.
One area of nuance in Maryland concerns CBD-infused food and beverages. Under Maryland Health General Code 21-256, it is unlawful for any establishment to manufacture, sell, or offer for sale food that is considered adulterated under the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Because the FDA has concluded that CBD is an active ingredient in an approved drug, adding CBD to food products is considered adulteration under this federal standard. As a result, food or beverage products containing CBD are not permitted for sale by licensed food establishments in Maryland. Hemp CBD in non-food formats such as oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals remains fully legal and widely available.
Maryland’s Recreational Cannabis Program
Maryland voters approved recreational cannabis through a ballot measure in November 2022, making Maryland one of a growing number of states to legalize adult-use cannabis. Retail sales through licensed recreational dispensaries began in July 2023, making Maryland’s recreational market one of the more recently launched on the East Coast.
Under Maryland’s recreational cannabis law, adults 21 and older may legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public. Adults may also grow up to two cannabis plants at home for personal use, though this must be done out of public view. Consumption of cannabis is permitted in private residences and certain licensed cannabis establishments, but public consumption and driving under the influence of cannabis remain prohibited.
Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Commission has been overseeing the state’s medical cannabis program since 2014. Medical cannabis patients have access to a wider range of products and higher quantities than recreational consumers. The medical and recreational programs operate in parallel, with many dispensaries holding licenses for both types of sales.
It is important to understand that recreational and medical cannabis products sold through licensed dispensaries are distinct from hemp CBD products sold at general retail stores. Dispensary cannabis products have higher THC content and are regulated under the cannabis program, while hemp CBD products fall under the hemp program and do not require a dispensary license to purchase.
What to Look for When Buying CBD in Maryland
Even in a well-regulated market like Maryland, the quality of hemp CBD products varies considerably between brands. Not all companies that sell CBD hold themselves to high manufacturing or labeling standards, which is why knowing how to evaluate a product before you buy is important.
When shopping for CBD in Maryland, prioritize products that come with a certificate of analysis from an independent third-party laboratory. This document verifies the cannabinoid profile of the product, confirms that the THC content is within the legal 0.3% limit, and typically screens for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contamination. A trustworthy brand will make this documentation easily accessible on their website or through a QR code on the product packaging.
You should also be aware of the different types of CBD extract: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum products contain all of the hemp plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, including trace amounts of THC up to the legal limit. Broad-spectrum products contain most of those compounds with THC removed. CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol with no other hemp-derived compounds. Your preference between these types will depend on your individual wellness goals and personal sensitivity to THC.
Traveling With CBD in Maryland
Traveling within Maryland with hemp CBD products is straightforward. Hemp-derived products are legal, and you can transport them in your vehicle without concern as long as they are properly packaged and labeled. If you are crossing state lines, the laws of neighboring states apply, so it is worth confirming that your destination permits hemp CBD products before you travel.
For recreational cannabis products purchased at a licensed Maryland dispensary, there are additional rules. These products must remain sealed in their original packaging while in a vehicle. Open containers of cannabis in a vehicle are subject to the same regulations as open containers of alcohol. You may not take recreational cannabis products purchased in Maryland across state lines, as interstate transport remains a federal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD legal in Maryland in 2025?
Yes, hemp-derived CBD with 0.3% THC or less is fully legal in Maryland. You can buy, possess, and use hemp CBD products throughout the state without a prescription or special permit. Maryland law aligns with the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp and hemp-derived products from the Controlled Substances Act.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Maryland?
Yes, recreational cannabis is legal in Maryland for adults 21 and older. Retail sales began in July 2023. Adults may legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public and grow up to two plants at home. Consumption is permitted in private settings, but public consumption and driving while impaired remain illegal.
Can you buy CBD edibles in Maryland?
This is an area of nuance. CBD-infused food and beverages are technically not permitted for sale by licensed food establishments in Maryland due to FDA and state food adulteration rules. However, non-food CBD products like oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals are widely available and fully legal. If compliance is important to you, non-food CBD formats are the safest and most clearly legal choice in Maryland.
Do you need a medical card to buy CBD in Maryland?
No, you do not need a medical card to purchase hemp-derived CBD in Maryland. Hemp CBD products are sold over the counter at health food stores, pharmacies, and specialty retailers throughout the state. A medical card is only necessary if you want to access higher-potency medical cannabis products through a licensed dispensary under Maryland’s medical cannabis program.
How can I verify my CBD product is legal in Maryland?
To verify your CBD product’s legality, check for a certificate of analysis from an independent third-party laboratory confirming that the product contains 0.3% THC or less and is derived from hemp. This documentation also confirms that the product is free from harmful contaminants. Reputable brands publish these lab reports on their websites or include QR codes that link directly to the test results.
Related State CBD Law Guides
CBD regulations vary from state to state. If you are researching hemp-derived CBD laws in a neighboring or comparable state, the following guides cover similar ground. For a complete federal overview, see our guide to federal hemp law in the United States.
Explore: CBD Laws in New York | CBD Laws in New Jersey | CBD Laws in Delaware
References
Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). Public Law 115-334. U.S. Congress.
Maryland Department of Agriculture. (2024). Industrial Hemp Program. State of Maryland.
Maryland Health General Code § 21-256. Adulteration of Food. Maryland General Assembly.
Maryland Cannabis Administration. (2024). Adult-Use Cannabis Overview. State of Maryland.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Warning Letters and Test Results for Cannabidiol-Related Products. FDA.gov.
