Maryland Governor Allows Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization to Go Before Voters

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is allowing an adult-use cannabis legalization measure to go before voters this fall.

The Republican governor let the legislation, which cleared the Legislature earlier this month, become law without his signature, according to The Washington Post.

RELATED: Maryland Voters Will Have Say in Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

The Maryland House voted, 94-39, on April 1 to approve House Bill 1, which will place a constitutional amendment on the November 2022 ballot asking voters if they favor the legalization of cannabis use by adults 21 and older by July 1, 2023.

The General Assembly also passed companion legislation, House Bill 837, which would 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. The bill would also decriminalize the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis by classifying it as a civil offense rather than a misdemeanor.

Hogan is also letting this regulatory framework become law, The Washington Post reported, contingent upon voters approving the constitutional referendum this fall.

If voters approve the adult-use cannabis legalization measure in the November election, lawmakers would determine more specific parameters for the market, such as a business licensing process and tax structure, next year.