With a Key Deadline Looming, the Senate Approves Marijuana Legalization Measures

Maryland’s Senate on Thursday took a major step toward making “personal use” amounts of marijuana legal beginning in 2023. Lawmakers gave approval to two bills that would allow residents 21 and older to possess small amounts of marijuana — up to 1.5 ounces — beginning next year. Possession of between 1.5 and 2.5 ounces would be subject to a civil citation. Anyone caught with a greater amount would be subject to the state’s existing laws on possession with intent distribute, said Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Montgomery), vice chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee.