On November 8, 2022, Maryland (MD) voters approved Question 4 in the statewide election, which legalizes the adult use of marijuana for individuals who are at least age 21, beginning July 1, 2023.
In addition, on April 9, 2022, a companion bill (MD HB 837) became law which removes criminal penalties and allowed expungement of possession convictions. However, the bill had specific contingencies prior to it taking effect, one of which was, Question 4 needing approval by voters.
Next Steps for Employers
The MD General Assembly still needs to pass licensing and taxation legislation before the law can take effect on July 1, 2023, and at the time of this post, the election results had not yet been certified. This means it is unclear how soon voters would expect legal marijuana sales to take place or what sort of employment protections will result from the passing of this law.
HR Works will continue to monitor this topic and provide updated information as it becomes available.
