With Maryland’s legalization of recreational marijuana, you can now use marijuana for both medical and recreational reasons. Does that also mean you can share it with your friends or family at your next gathering?
The new laws permit adults to possess and use marijuana for personal use. However, sharing might get you in trouble, depending on the situation.
Simple rules for sharing marijuana
If you’re 21 or older, you can legally have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in Maryland. Additionally, you can give small amounts to adult friends or family members without breaking the law.
But here’s the important part—once money or any kind of payment gets involved, it becomes illegal. Even if your friend offers you gas money or buys you lunch in exchange for marijuana, you could face drug distribution charges.
And remember, it’s illegal to share your personal stash of cannabis with anyone under 21 years old. Doing so not only gets you in trouble with the law but also the friend you shared it with.
The harsh reality of drug distribution charges
Maryland takes drug distribution seriously, regardless of the amount involved. Getting caught selling or sharing marijuana for money in Maryland leads to serious consequences. These include:
- Up to five years in prison for first-time offenses
- Fines up to $15,000
- A permanent criminal record
Take note that these penalties apply only if you face charges for possession with intent to distribute less than 50 pounds of marijuana. The prison terms and fines increase significantly for larger quantities.
Sharing is not always caring
Indiscriminately sharing marijuana may lead to severe legal consequences. In general, you can share your personal stash with another adult. But you have to ensure the marijuana you have for personal use doesn’t exceed the allowed amount.
You can’t go beyond the legal possession limit to share it with someone you believe may benefit from its effects. If you face marijuana distribution-related charges, an experienced legal professional may help you explore defense strategies and work towards protecting your rights.