Bill > HB1202

This bill modifies Maryland's criminal law by expanding the definition of a "drug trafficking crime" to include misdemeanor offenses related to cannabis possession and cultivation. Specifically, the bill adds misdemeanor violations under sections 5-602(b)(1) and 5-603(b) to the definition of a drug trafficking crime, which previously only included felony offenses involving controlled dangerous substances. The expanded definition means that individuals committing these misdemeanor cannabis-related offenses can now be subject to additional penalties if they possess, use, wear, carry, or transport a firearm during or in relation to the crime. For first-time offenders, this means a mandatory minimum 5-year prison sentence, and for subsequent violations, a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence. These sentences are to be served without the possibility of parole and consecutively to any other sentence related to the underlying drug trafficking crime. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and represents a significant broadening of legal consequences for firearm possession in conjunction with cannabis-related misdemeanors.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1202?ys=2025RS