Maryland Hemp & Hemp‑Derived Cannabinoid Law Guide

This guide provides educational, state‑specific information on Maryland hemp and hemp‑derived cannabinoid laws for compliance purposes. It is for educational use only and not legal advice.

Maryland, USA hemp laws: quick overview

Maryland law defines hemp as Cannabis sativa L. and any part thereof with total Δ9‑THC concentration not exceeding 0.3 % on a dry weight basis, per Agriculture Article §14‑401 and §14‑309 (effective under the 2019 Industrial Hemp Act) ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gag&enactments=false&section=14-309&utm_source=openai)). Producers must be licensed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and may not knowingly produce hemp exceeding that threshold; violations may result in enforcement by the Attorney General or U.S. Attorney ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gag&enactments=false&section=14-309&utm_source=openai)). Under Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article §36‑1102 and implementing regulations, intoxicating hemp‑derived products—including Δ8‑THC, Δ10‑THC, and other synthetic THC—isomers—are prohibited unless sold through licensed cannabis dispensaries; the Cannabis Reform Act (2023) and SB 214/HB 12 (2025) extended packaging, labeling, and licensing requirements to these products ([mgaleg.maryland.gov](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gab&enactments=false&section=36-1102&utm_source=openai)). The Maryland Appellate Court affirmed in September 2025 that hemp‑derived psychoactive products like Δ8 and Δ10 are illegal under state law ([cannabisbusinesstimes.com](https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/us-states/maryland/news/15755342/appellate-court-rules-delta8-delta10-thc-prohibited-in-maryland?utm_source=openai)). Products containing more than 0.5 mg THC per serving or more than 2.5 mg per package are considered intoxicating and must comply with MCA packaging and labeling standards (child‑resistant, COA via QR code, lot number, warnings, MCA symbol) and be sold only in licensed dispensaries ([atcc.maryland.gov](https://atcc.maryland.gov/cannabis-information/thc-compliance-standards/?utm_source=openai)).

Shipping guidance

Inbound shipments of hemp (≤ 0.3 % Δ9‑THC) are allowed if sourced from USDA‑ or MDA‑licensed producers; processors must submit Hemp Acquisition Form, invoice, license, and COA and record in METRC before accepting delivery ([cannabis.maryland.gov](https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/Hemp-FAQ%27s_2.aspx?utm_source=openai)). Intoxicating hemp‑derived products (Δ8, Δ10, etc.) are illegal to ship into Maryland unless via licensed dispensary channels.

Testing & COA guidance

Hemp must be tested upon receipt by a registered independent testing laboratory per COMAR 14.17.08; COA must be uploaded into METRC ([cannabis.maryland.gov](https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/Hemp-FAQ%27s_2.aspx?utm_source=openai)). Processed hemp‑derived products must also undergo full compliance panel testing before entering METRC ([cannabis.maryland.gov](https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/Hemp-FAQ%27s_2.aspx?utm_source=openai)). ISO/17025 accreditation not explicitly stated in sources.

What to buy

Operators may cultivate, process, and sell hemp products containing ≤ 0.3 % Δ9‑THC dry weight. Non‑intoxicating hemp‑derived products with ≤ 0.5 mg THC per serving and ≤ 2.5 mg per package may be sold in public areas of licensed dispensaries; higher‑THC hemp‑derived products must be sold in service areas of licensed dispensaries ([cannabis.maryland.gov](https://cannabis.maryland.gov/Pages/Hemp-FAQ%27s_2.aspx?utm_source=openai)).

What to avoid

Avoid Δ8‑THC, Δ10‑THC, synthetic THC isomers, and any hemp‑derived intoxicating products unless sold via licensed dispensaries—they are prohibited under state law ([cannabisbusinesstimes.com](https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/us-states/maryland/news/15755342/appellate-court-rules-delta8-delta10-thc-prohibited-in-maryland?utm_source=openai)). Also avoid any hemp product exceeding 0.3 % Δ9‑THC dry weight.

How to shop compliant, tested hemp

• Maryland defines hemp as ≤ 0.3 % Δ9‑THC dry weight (Agriculture §14‑401, §14‑309)
• Intoxicating hemp‑derived products (e.g. Δ8, Δ10) are prohibited unless sold via licensed dispensaries (ABCA §36‑1102, SB 214/ HB 12)
• Products > 0.5 mg THC per serving or > 2.5 mg per package must meet MCA packaging/labelling and be sold only in licensed dispensaries (ABCA §36‑203.1, COMAR 14.17.18)
• Processors must test hemp and upload COA into METRC per COMAR 14.17.08 and Agriculture §14‑301–309
• Hemp producers must hold valid MDA license and not exceed 0.3 % Δ9‑THC (Agriculture §14‑309)

Helpful resource: Learn more about Maryland, USA

Educational content only — not legal or medical advice.

FAQ