It's Official: Gov. Moore Signs Maryland's Cannabis Legalization Bill Into Law, Sales Begin July 1

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed six bills into law Wednesday in Annapolis and one of them was Senate Bill 516, Cannabis Reform legislation, which regulates the sale of cannabis before it becomes legal on July 1, 2023.

"This will ensure the rollout of recreational cannabis in our state drives opportunity in an equitable way," Gov. Moore said, per CBS Baltimore. "The criminalization of marijuana harmed low-income communities and communities of color in a profound way.

"We want to make sure the legalization of marijuana lifts those communities now in a profound way."

Maryland voters overwhelmingly approved marijuana legalization in the November midterms. 

When the bill passed, Gov. Moore called it “a well-crafted piece of legislation” and said he was “looking forward to future collaboration with the legislature.”

The Maryland proposal creates a hybrid license structure that will allow existing medical cannabis growers, processors and dispensaries to also sell to recreational users.

Women's Right To Choose

The other bills signed Wednesday are aimed at protecting gender-affirming treatment and rights to abortions, the latter will be on the ballot next year as Marylanders decide on whether to enshrine the right in the state's constitution.

"Today is about health care," Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said. "Today is about freedom."

Gov. Moore and others signed into law the Right to Reproductive Freedom Act bill to send the right to an abortion to Maryland voters.

"Maryland can, and will, lead on this issue of abortion," Gov. Moore said. "I want to say this to all women who are wondering what will happen who are worried about their future, please hear me loud and clear, Maryland will always be a safe haven for abortion access and abortion rights."

In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade which now gives states its own determination to enact on stricter abortion laws.

"We are living in a time when the Supreme Court is actively working to take Americans' rights away," Gov. Moore said.

Photo: Gov. Moore's Twitter