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In 2014, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) was created legalizing medical marijuana within the state and regulating marijuana handling, possession, sale, and usage.
Since then, the state introduced a number of new laws expanding the operational circle of the commission and addressing any legal issue that a registered medical marijuana patient may face.
The state is doing a great job in all of that, except taking a firm stance on gun possession laws for in-state medical marijuana patients.
Having a medical marijuana card and owning a firearm license is illegal in Maryland due to the following reasons,
- The 1968 Gun Control Act forbids anyone from using a restricted substance while owning a gun.
- According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is still listed as a Schedule I drug and is declared illegal nationwide.
The state of Maryland is yet to pass legislation in order to safeguard the interests of gun owners who are also registered medical marijuana patients.
Till that happens, federal laws are imposed as gun-carrying laws within the state making it illegal for a registered medical marijuana patient to own a firearm.
Taking My Gun To a Dispensary in Maryland: Is It a Good Idea?
Maryland is widely regarded as a ‘may issue state’ when it comes to firearms carry licenses. In other words, the state may issue a carry permit that is unrestricted or may switch to a permit that comes with a long list of restrictions.
In any case, you will need a carrying license in order to carry your firearm around in Maryland. If you have one, you can take your firearm to any place, including a dispensary.
Consuming CBD Products and Owning a Gun in Maryland
Fortunately, CBD is not considered a Schedule I substance on the federal level. Plus, the state of Maryland has also legalized CBD oils or similar products for consumption as long as the products are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC.
The state also allows its residents to purchase CBD-based products without having a prescription.
But will the same rules apply to somebody who owns a gun or has a Wear/Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP)? Yes, even if you have a WCHP, the state of Maryland allows you to purchase/consume CBD-based products.
Our expert opinion
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) has indeed taken some drastic measures over the years making the state’s medical marijuana program quite progressive and liberal.
But in all of this progress, the gun ownership laws still remain overlooked, especially in the case of registered medical marijuana users.
Although the data of a registered patient is kept safe and private at any level, the relevant authority does verbally confirm whether the applicant is using medical marijuana or not.
Unfortunately, those who respond positively, get their firearm license application canceled. This is something the state needs to work on so that registered medical marijuana users can also have equal firearms-carrying rights as others.
Helpful Resources For Maryland Patients:
Maryland Medical Marijuana Card For Minors
Are Edibles Legal In Maryland? MD Cannabis Edibles Guide
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Maryland in 2023
Benefits of Having A Medical Marijuana Card In Maryland
