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Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission

Cannabis, Hemp, and THC Laws in Maryland

Selling THC? Know the limits

A product is considered intoxicating if it contains:

  • More than 0.5 mg of THC per serving, or
  • More than 2.5 mg of THC per package

If your product meets these thresholds, it must follow Maryland cannabis laws.

Cannabis and hemp products are regulated in Maryland based on their THC content, the compound responsible for intoxicating effects.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is found in cannabis, hemp, and related products such as Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10.

Products that exceed legal THC limits are considered intoxicating and must follow Maryland cannabis laws.

The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) licenses and regulates cannabis businesses, while the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) enforces laws related to illegal or non-compliant THC products.

What counts as an intoxicating THC product?

A product is considered intoxicating if it exceeds THC limits defined by law.

This may include:

  • Delta-8 THC
  • Delta-9 THC
  • Delta-10 THC
  • Other cannabinoids that produce intoxicating effects

If your product meets these criteria, it must:

  • Be sold through a licensed dispensary
  • Meet all packaging and labeling requirements

What the law requires

Intoxicating THC products must meet the same standards as products sold in licensed dispensaries.

This includes:

  • Child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging
  • Clear and accurate labeling
  • Required health warnings
  • Disclosure of THC content and product details

Who regulates cannabis and THC?

Cannabis and THC regulation in Maryland is shared across agencies:

  • Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA): Licensing and product standards
  • ATCC: Enforcement of illegal or non-compliant THC products
  • Comptroller: Tax collection

When to contact MCA vs ATCC

Understanding who to contact can help you get the right information quickly.

Contact MCA for:

  • Applying for a cannabis license
  • Operating or managing a licensed cannabis business
  • Questions about product approval or regulations

Contact ATCC for:

  • Reporting illegal cannabis or THC activity
  • Enforcement or compliance concerns
  • Questions about violations or investigations

Compliance and enforcement

ATCC enforces laws related to intoxicating THC products, especially those sold outside licensed dispensaries.

Enforcement may include:

  • Inspections and investigations
  • Citations for violations
  • Seizure or destruction of non-compliant products
  • Enforcement of sales restrictions, including sales to individuals under 21

ATCC takes a compliance-first approach and works to support public safety and a fair marketplace.

Common compliance issues

Businesses may be out of compliance if they:

  • Sell intoxicating THC products without a license
  • Sell products that exceed legal THC limits
  • Fail to meet packaging or labeling requirements
  • Sell THC products to individuals under 21

Why this matters

These laws are designed to:

  • Protect consumers from unsafe or mislabeled products
  • Reduce youth access to intoxicating substances
  • Ensure consistent standards across the market
  • Support licensed and compliant businesses

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