When we refer to CBD, we are describing Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, which is one the active ingredients in the medical hemp plant. Further, when we are discussing CBD, we are referring to hemp-rich products that contain only 0.3 percent THC or less.

Many often confuse marijuana for hemp and think the two plants are regulated the same way. For a good description of the difference between hemp and marijuana you may want to check out our What is Hemp blog post. Essentially, though, the primary difference between hemp and marijuana is that marijuana is high in THC which is the component of the plant that gives you the “high” sensation. While hemp is extremely low in THC, meaning you can’t get “high” from the plant, it is very high in CBD. There are many studies which have shown CBD to have anti-pain, anti-inflammation, and anti-anxiety properties among others.

Hemp-derived CBD is fully legal in Maryland. The use of CBD in any of its forms like oils in Maryland falls under the 2018 Farm Bill which is a federal piece of legislation that fully legalized hemp-rich CBD products. The state of Maryland has passed no additional laws to regulate the usage of CBD. This means that you can buy CBD products over the counter with no additional restrictions like needing a medical card. CBD is treated no different than other products that are wellness supplements in Maryland meaning you can walk into a local brick and mortar location and purchase any CBD product you would like.

If you live in Maryland or are visiting, you can utilize CBD products in many different forms. One of the most popular ways to use CBD is in the oil form in a tincture. CBD can also be used as a topical agent in creams, balms, salves, lotions or rubs. It is also possible to smoke CBD in hemp flower or to vaporize CBD. You may also find CBD in edibles such as CBD gummies or in candies or gum. CBD can also be found in pet products for dogs and cats. Finally, CBD is also available in bath and beauty products such as soaps, bath bombs, shampoo, conditioner, and skin care products. The good news is that all these types of products are legally available in Maryland.

The World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence released a study in 2017 indicating the benefits of CBD in the following medical conditions:

• Inflammatory diseases
• Infection
• Diabetic complications
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cancer
• Nausea
• Psychosis
• Chronic pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Huntington’s disease

The report said that CBD shows no potential to be abused or cause dependence among users.

CBD is readily available to purchase in Maryland. There are many brick and mortar locations that sell CBD in both the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. regions of the state and other shops on the Eastern Shore or in western Maryland. In addition to purchasing from a stand-alone business, it is legal to purchase CBD products online in Maryland and have them shipped directly to your door.

No, it’s not possible to get a prescription for CBD in Maryland, nor do you need one. It is sold completely over the counter so there is no need to receive any sort of prescription or to have a medical card to purchase CBD in Maryland.

While CBD is readily available to purchase in Maryland, there are still some issues left to be determined by the state. The main issues involving CBD at the state level in Maryland revolve around the ability of farmers and producers to grow and manufacturer CBD products in Maryland. Currently, Maryland is still streamlining the process to register to grow hemp. Once this process is faster and easier for farmers to more readily cultivate hemp in Maryland, the local supply will increase providing more opportunities for producers and farmers alike in the state. However, even with this limitation, Maryland is still a state that is welcoming to those that want to utilize CBD products.