Lawmakers step closer to creating legal cannabis market

The framework to create a legal recreational marijuana market in Maryland is now in the hands of the General Assembly. In a major development on Friday, the 120-page bill was submitted to the House and Senate, detailing how to award licenses, regulate the sale of and set tax rates for cannabis. Now, the race is on to finalize the plans before the end of Session 2023. Legislative leaders expressed confidence that the sale of marijuana for recreational adult use will begin July 1 in Maryland, as per the constitutional amendment approved by a large majority of voters in the November election. That's also when adults may possess up to an ounce and a half of marijuana.