Maryland Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws (2026)

This guide explains Maryland’s current hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of September 1, 2026, for educational purposes only—not legal advice.

Maryland, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Maryland defines “hemp” as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with delta‑9‑THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis (Agriculture Article §14‑101(c)(1), effective per statute text current as of 2026) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gag&section=14-101&utm_source=openai)). The General Assembly intended hemp to be treated as an agricultural commodity, permitting its possession, sale, transport, and processing in‑state and from other states (Agriculture §14‑302) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gag&enactments=false&section=14-302&utm_source=openai)). Maryland requires licensing through the Department of Agriculture’s Hemp Farming Program; unlicensed cultivation or production is prohibited (COMAR 15.01.17) ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01/index.full.html?utm_source=openai)). Producers must test hemp batches to confirm Δ9‑THC ≤0.3% dry weight (including measurement uncertainty) and retain results for at least 3 years (COMAR 15.01.17) ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01/index.full.html?utm_source=openai)). Violations—including Δ9‑THC over 0.3%—can result in license denial, suspension, or revocation, with corrective action plans for negligent violations (COMAR 15.01.17.15) ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01.17.15?utm_source=openai)). Under the Cannabis Reform Act and confirmed by a 2025 appellate court ruling, hemp‑derived psychoactive products such as delta‑8 and delta‑10 THC have always been illegal in Maryland (2022 Md. Laws ch. 511; appellate decision 2025) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2022RS/chapters_noln/Ch_511_hb1078E.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Maryland also regulates hemp‑derived tinctures under Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis Article §36‑1102: non‑licensed persons may not sell products with >0.5 mg THC per serving or >2.5 mg per package; however, hemp‑derived tinctures with ≥15:1 CBD:THC ratio may contain up to 2.5 mg THC per serving and 100 mg per package if submitted for testing (effective per statute text current as of 2026) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&enactments=false&section=36-1102&utm_source=openai)). Smoking or vaping hemp products in indoor public spaces is prohibited under the Clean Indoor Air Act, amended in 2024 to include cannabis and hemp‑derived products (effective 2024) ([health.maryland.gov](https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/EH/Pages/clean-indoor-act.aspx?Mobile=1&Source=%2FOEHFP%2FEH%2F_layouts%2Fmobile%2Fview.aspx%3FList%3D6510098f%252Dc0d4%252D4e2e%252Da2cb%252D2c489ae01bc3%26ViewMode%3DDetail%26CurrentPage%3D1&utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp (Δ9‑THC ≤0.3%) are allowed if sourced from licensed producers; no special retailer registration for shipping, but products must comply with tincture THC limits and age‑restriction rules (tinctures restricted to ≥21 purchasers under §36‑1102(b)). Age verification required for tincture sales. No explicit retailer license for shipping non‑intoxicating hemp products.

Testing & COA guidance

Maryland requires testing by independent labs to confirm Δ9‑THC ≤0.3% dry weight including measurement uncertainty; results must be retained for 3 years (COMAR 15.01.17). ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation not explicitly required in statute/regulation. COA retention mandated; testing panels must include Δ9‑THC quantification.

What to buy

Non‑intoxicating hemp products with Δ9‑THC ≤0.3% dry weight; hemp‑derived tinctures with ≥15:1 CBD:THC ratio and ≤2.5 mg THC per serving, ≤100 mg per package; other hemp‑derived CBD products within THC limits.

What to avoid

Delta‑8 THC products (banned), delta‑10 THC products (banned), intoxicating hemp products exceeding Δ9‑THC 0.3%, tinctures exceeding THC limits or without required ratio, smoking/vaping hemp in indoor public spaces.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Δ9‑THC must not exceed 0.3% on a dry‑weight basis (Agriculture §14‑101(c)(1), COMAR 15.01.17)
• Licensed by Maryland Department of Agriculture to cultivate or produce hemp (COMAR 15.01.17)
• Delta‑8 and delta‑10 THC products are illegal in Maryland (Cannabis Reform Act, appellate ruling 2025)
• Hemp‑derived tinctures must meet ≤2.5 mg THC per serving and ≤100 mg per package with ≥15:1 CBD:THC ratio (Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis §36‑1102(d))
• Smoking or vaping hemp products indoors in public is prohibited under Clean Indoor Air Act (2024 amendment)
• Testing results must be retained for 3 years and confirm Δ9‑THC ≤0.3% including measurement uncertainty (COMAR 15.01.17)

Helpful resource: Learn more about Maryland, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

FAQ