Maryland Weed Updates: Senate Advances Bill Protecting Gun Rights For Medical Marijuana Patients, New Survey & More

Maryland’s Senate advanced a measure protecting the gun rights of medical marijuana patients in a 43-2 vote Tuesday. The bill is now heading to the House of Delegates for consideration.

Senate Bill 348, sponsored by Sen. Mike McKay (R) proposes that a "person may not be denied the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm under this title solely on the basis that the person is authorized to use medical cannabis."

If the bill becomes law, it is scheduled to go into effect in October 2024. 

The question of whether medical marijuana patients should be allowed to own firearms under the Second Amendment has become more frequent across states with legal cannabis products. As more states legalize marijuana, at least for medicinal purposes, clashes between state and federal laws have occurred. 

Recently, Pennsylvania District Attorney Robert Greene filed a lawsuit against the federal government over gun ownership rights for medical marijuana patients. In South Dakota, for example, the House approved a measure forcing pot shops to warn customers of the federal firearms ban.

See Also: Can Marijuana Use Cost You Your Right To Bear Arms? Supreme Court Poised To Weigh On Cannabis, Second Amendment

Medical Cannabis Patient Survey Report 

Meanwhile, the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) released a medical cannabis patient survey report analyzing similarities and differences in patient perceptions and behaviors before and following the legalization of recreational cannabis. 

The survey, conducted in September 2023, several months after adult-use sales commenced in Maryland, compares a "pre-legalization" survey conducted in September 2022. More than 15,000 patients took part in each study. 

Report Key Takeaways: 

• Weekly spending on cannabis products decreased following legalization with average spending on flower being $61.92 in 2023, compared to $71.2 in 2022. 
• Driving a car or other motor vehicle within three hours of consuming marijuana or when under the influence increased with 15.6% of surveyed individuals confirming to do so 6 or more times per month, compared to 6.4% confirming the same in 2022. 
•  87.0% said they plan to remain in the medical marijuana program, compared to 61.7% in 2022. 
•  The majority (56.1%) believe that there was no change in the supply of medical cannabis products following adult-use legalization, while 33.1% think supply worsened, and 10.5% that it improved. 

County Council Bill To Support Those Harmed By Cannabis Prohibition 

Meanwhile, a new legislation that would establish a commission to determine how to distribute funds collected via marijuana taxes to those mostly impacted by cannabis prohibition is being considered by the Montgomery County Council, writes Moco 360.

"The recreational adult-use constitutional amendment in Maryland created new markets for economic opportunity to flourish. But we must recognize that it also highlighted inequity," said Kristin Mink (D) councilmember and one of the lead sponsors of the bill. "White people will profit immensely from a new commodity that was just a few months ago contraband, funneling disproportionately Black and brown people into the criminal justice system."

Bill 4-24 would:

•  "Establish a Montgomery County Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Commission;
•  prescribe the membership and duties of the Commission;
• Provide for the staffing of the Commission;
• Specify the purposes for which funds received from the State Community Reinvestment and
•  Repair Fund may be used; 
• Amend the law regarding the distribution and use of funds disbursed to the County
•  from the State Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund." 

A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for March 5.

See Also: Maryland Republicans Want To Repeal Law Preventing Cops From Searching Cars Based On Cannabis Smell

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is returning to Florida, in a new venue in Hollywood, on April 16 and 17, 2024. The two-day event at The Diplomat Beach Resort will be a chance for entrepreneurs, both large and small, to network, learn, and grow. Renowned for its trendsetting abilities and influence on the future of cannabis, mark your calendars – this conference is the go-to event of the year for the cannabis world. Get your tickets now on bzcannabis.com – Prices will increase very soon!

Photo: Courtesy of Kampus Production via Pexels.