Maryland Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Laws Guide

This guide provides educational information on Maryland’s hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws as of August 1, 2026. It is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Maryland, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Maryland law defines “hemp” as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with a delta‑9‑tetrahydrocannabinol concentration not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis (Agriculture Article §14‑101(c)(1), renamed and expanded in 2019, effective with 2019 Md. Laws, ch. 228) ([marylandattorneygeneral.gov](https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Opinions%20Documents/2022/107OAG153.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Under Agriculture §14‑309(a)(1)(iv), producing hemp exceeding that Δ9‑THC threshold is prohibited, and violations must be reported to the Attorney General and U.S. Attorney (effective per statute) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gag&enactments=false&section=14-309&utm_source=openai)). Maryland’s Department of Agriculture regulations (COMAR 15.01.17.12, current through June 13, 2025) require licensed growers to test hemp batches to confirm Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight (accounting for measurement uncertainty) and retain test results for at least 3 years; only compliant batches may enter commerce ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-15/subtitle-01/chapter-15-01-17/section-15-01-17-12/?utm_source=openai)). COMAR 15.01.17.09 mandates annual and additional inspections and sampling by MDA to enforce compliance ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01.17.09?utm_source=openai)). Regarding hemp‑derived cannabinoids beyond Δ9‑THC, Maryland courts have ruled that hemp‑derived intoxicating products such as Δ8‑THC and Δ10‑THC have always been illegal in the state; the Appellate Court affirmed this in September 2025, reversing prior injunctions and affirming prohibition of retail sale of such products ([norml.org](https://norml.org/news/2025/09/18/maryland-appellate-court-upholds-ban-on-sale-of-hemp-derived-intoxicants/?utm_source=openai)). The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) issued Advisory #24‑002 (July 19, 2023), directing that unlicensed businesses must remove intoxicating hemp products (Δ8, Δ9, Δ10, synthetic cannabinoids) and may only sell non‑intoxicating products such as lotions or CBD tinctures with ≤ 0.5 mg THC per serving and ≤ 2.5 mg per package, or CBD:THC tinctures ≥ 15:1 ratio under specific packaging and labeling rules ([atcc.maryland.gov](https://atcc.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Updated-Advisory-24-002.pdf?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp (Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3%) are allowed if sourced from licensed growers and accompanied by compliant COA; age verification (21+) applies for intoxicating cannabinoids, but since those are banned, shipping them is prohibited. Retailer registration: growers/processors must be licensed by MDA; unlicensed retailers may only sell non‑intoxicating hemp products under ATCC advisory limits.

Testing & COA guidance

Maryland requires testing of hemp batches by MDA or authorized labs to confirm Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight (COMAR 15.01.17.12) and retain results for 3 years ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-15/subtitle-01/chapter-15-01-17/section-15-01-17-12/?utm_source=openai)). Sampling must follow MDA’s official methodology (COMAR 15.01.17.10) and inspections are conducted annually or as needed (COMAR 15.01.17.09) ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01.17.09?utm_source=openai)). ISO 17025 accreditation is not explicitly required in the regulation text; if not verifiable, assume null.

What to buy

Legal products include hemp-derived non‑intoxicating items such as CBD lotions, balms, salves, pet CBD products, and tinctures meeting ATCC limits (≤ 0.5 mg THC per serving, ≤ 2.5 mg per package, or CBD:THC ≥ 15:1 ratio in small tincture bottles) ([atcc.maryland.gov](https://atcc.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Updated-Advisory-24-002.pdf?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids such as Δ8‑THC, Δ10‑THC, synthetic THC isomers, THC‑O, THCP, HHC, etc., as these are banned for retail sale in Maryland (Appellate Court ruling Sept 2025; ATCC advisory) ([norml.org](https://norml.org/news/2025/09/18/maryland-appellate-court-upholds-ban-on-sale-of-hemp-derived-intoxicants/?utm_source=openai)). Smokable hemp flower with intoxicating cannabinoids is likewise prohibited.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Maryland defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. with Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight (Agriculture §14‑101, effective 2019) ([marylandattorneygeneral.gov](https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Opinions%20Documents/2022/107OAG153.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Licensed growers must test hemp batches to confirm Δ9‑THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight and retain results for 3 years (COMAR 15.01.17.12, effective June 13, 2025) ([regulations.justia.com](https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-15/subtitle-01/chapter-15-01-17/section-15-01-17-12/?utm_source=openai))
• Hemp‑derived intoxicating cannabinoids (Δ8, Δ10, synthetic THC) are banned for retail sale in Maryland (Appellate Court ruling Sept 2025) ([norml.org](https://norml.org/news/2025/09/18/maryland-appellate-court-upholds-ban-on-sale-of-hemp-derived-intoxicants/?utm_source=openai))
• Unlicensed retailers may sell only non‑intoxicating hemp products (e.g., lotions, CBD tinctures ≤ 0.5 mg THC per serving and ≤ 2.5 mg per package) (ATCC Advisory July 19, 2023) ([atcc.maryland.gov](https://atcc.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Updated-Advisory-24-002.pdf?utm_source=openai))
• Annual inspections and sampling by MDA are required to ensure compliance (COMAR 15.01.17.09) ([regs.maryland.gov](https://regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/15.01.17.09?utm_source=openai))

Helpful resource: Learn more about Maryland, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

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