In just about one week, cannabis will be legal in Maryland for anyone 21 years or older with a government issued ID.
“It’s like purchasing alcohol,” explained Steve White, president of Trulieve, which has about 180 dispensaries in 11 states, including one on Rockville Pike in Rockville.
The voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question last year that legalizes personal possession of up to 1.5 ounces as of Saturday, July 1. Basically, it is legal for home consumption as it can’t be used in public or even in the dispensary where it was purchased.
Recreational users can purchase cannabis in many forms, including flowers, vapes, concentrates and edibles.
White expects recreational users mostly to purchase edibles, like gummies. Those who have permission to use it for medical reasons tend to inhale it, he said.
His advice to first-time users is “start slow. It is an intoxicant. We don’t want people to have a bad experience with it.”
Montgomery County is planning a public relations campaign beginning next week that will be conducted in many languages. It is expected to detail what the legalization of cannabis in Maryland means to residents.
The Montgomery County Police Department has been gearing up and has conducted cannabis labs. During these training sessions, officers and volunteers who have a medical cannabis card join together to learn how the drug affects users as they drive, walk and respond to questions.
Related Post
