Annapolis, MD: Democratic Gov. Wes Moore signed legislation (House Bill 232) into law amending the state’s child neglect statute so that the use of cannabis by a parent or a child’s guardian is no longer considered to be prima facie evidence of a crime.
The law, which takes effect July 1, states, “’Neglect does not include the use of cannabis by any parent or individual who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of the child unless, as a result of the use of cannabis: the child’s health or welfare is harmed or placed at substantial risk of harm, or the child has suffered mental injury or has been placed at substantial risk of mental injury.”
Separate legislation permitting adults to legally possess, purchase, and home-cultivate personal-use quantities of cannabis also takes effect on July 1, 2023.
Additional information on pending legislation is available from NORML’s Action Center.