Navigating Maryland’s Cannabis Growing Laws: What Home Growers Need to Know

Maryland's Cannabis Growing Laws

Growing your own cannabis at home can be a rewarding and empowering experience, especially in a state like Maryland that has embraced home cultivation under specific regulations. Here’s everything you need to know to stay legal, safe, and green!

Who Can Grow Cannabis at Home?

In Maryland, adults 21 years and older are legally allowed to grow cannabis at home for personal use. However, this doesn’t mean anyone can just start planting - there are important restrictions to understand:

• Age Requirement: Only adults 21+ can legally grow.
• Primary Residence Only: Cannabis plants must be grown in your primary residence – meaning no vacation homes or rental properties (unless you’re the homeowner and it’s your primary residence).
• Private & Out of Public View: Your plants must be grown out of public view - this typically means indoors or in a securely enclosed outdoor space like a greenhouse or fenced yard.

How Many Plants Can You Grow?

The law is clear:

• Maximum of 2 plants per household - not per person.
• Even if multiple adults live in the home, the total number of plants grown can't exceed 2.

For example, if you live with your spouse and a roommate (all over 21), your household is still limited to two plants total.

Storage and Use: Keeping it Safe

• Harvested Cannabis: Any cannabis you harvest must be stored in a private place and not sold or shared with minors.
• No Public Possession of Plants: While you can transport cannabis flower (buds) within legal possession limits, you can’t transport live plants.
• Personal Possession Limits: Adults can possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower or up to 12 grams of concentrated cannabis in public.

Where to Grow: Indoor vs. Outdoor

Maryland’s law allows you to choose how you want to grow - but there are practical considerations:

Indoor Growing:

• Ideal for full control over your plant’s environment.
• Easier to maintain privacy and comply with the “out of public view” rule.
• Requires proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control.

Outdoor Growing:

• Must be in a locked, secure, and fully enclosed area not visible to the public.
• Watch out for weather fluctuations and pests!
• Be mindful of neighbors and potential complaints.

Can You Sell What You Grow?

Nope! Selling cannabis from your home grow is strictly prohibited under Maryland law. You can gift cannabis to another adult (21+), but only if:

• It’s under the possession limits.
• No money, goods, or services are exchanged.
• It’s done face-to-face (no shipping or mailing allowed).

Staying Compliant: Tips for Home Growers

✅ Keep it Private: Avoid posting plant photos on social media that could draw unwanted attention.
✅ Be Neighborly: While it’s legal, not everyone is a fan. Keeping odor and noise to a minimum can avoid neighborhood disputes.
✅ Know the Rules: Maryland’s cannabis laws can change, so stay updated by checking the latest regulations on the state’s official cannabis website or the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s updates.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating these home grow laws can result in:

• Civil fines for minor infractions (like growing too many plants).
• Criminal charges for larger-scale violations (like selling cannabis or growing for distribution).
• Loss of your plants - law enforcement can confiscate illegally grown cannabis.

Maryland’s home cultivation laws make it easier than ever for adults to explore cannabis growing at home – but only within clear boundaries. By sticking to the rules and growing responsibly, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor without risking fines or legal trouble.

HomeGrow Helpline's resources are packed with tips, troubleshooting guides, and strain recommendations to help you cultivate success. Check out our latest tips and find your green thumb today! Happy growing!