Bill > SB925

This bill makes several significant changes to Maryland's criminal laws regarding controlled dangerous substances and firearms. It allows individuals 21 and older to manufacture a personal use amount of cannabis products or concentrated cannabis for personal use or "adult sharing" at a private residence, as long as the manufacturing process does not involve volatile solvents like butane, hexane, or propane. The bill modifies penalties for drug-related offenses, specifically reducing penalties for cannabis-related violations. For instance, manufacturing or possessing large quantities of cannabis (50 pounds or more) is now a misdemeanor instead of a felony, with potential imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to $50,000. The bill also introduces provisions that allow individuals currently serving sentences for certain drug offenses to apply for sentence modifications, with applications to be filed by September 30, 2026. Additionally, the bill changes several firearm-related laws, upgrading some firearms-related offenses from misdemeanors to felonies, such as transporting regulated firearms into the state for unlawful selling or trafficking, and manufacturing or selling handguns not on the state's approved roster. These changes reflect a broader trend of cannabis decriminalization and stricter regulation of firearms in Maryland, with the new provisions set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0925?ys=2025RS