Drug Possession

Things You Need to Know about the New Cannabis Laws in Maryland

June 9, 2023 by Jonathan Smith

The Basic Rules for the Legalization of Marijuana in Maryland

With voter support from a state-wide referendum last November, the Maryland legislature has passed legislation (and Governor Moore has signed) legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in the Old Line State. Let’s look at some of the details of what that means for Marylanders.

When will the law officially go into effect?—The effective date for the legal use of cannabis (now the official name for marijuana in Maryland) is July 1, 2023
What are the age requirements to purchase weed in Maryland?—Unless you have a medical prescription, you must be at least 21 years of age (you can get a medical care if you are over the age of 18). Anyone purchasing recreational marijuana will be required to show a government-issued form of identification.
How much cannabis can you purchase at a time?—The law limits single purchases to 750 mg of THC at one time, regardless of the form in which it comes. You are also limited to 1.5 ounces of flower or 12 grams of concentrated cannabis in your possession at any time. Possession of more than 1.5 ounces, but less than 2.5 ounces, will subject you to a civil fine. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces may lead to criminal charges.

Experienced Montgomery County Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 40 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the Baltimore County area and across the state of Maryland. For more than 30 years, he has been consistently received an AV-rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System from his colleagues in the Maryland bar. He has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by SuperLawyers and was designated a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine. He has been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all lawyers nationwide.

Throughout his years in practice, attorney Smith has successfully protected the rights of individuals facing all types of criminal charges. He will zealously protect your constitutional rights, taking the time to carefully investigate your case and confirm that law enforcement officers and prosecutors follow proper procedures when gathering evidence. He’ll interview all key witnesses and preserve all relevant evidence, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments for your acquittal.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He holds a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a trial attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Proven Maryland Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for a free initial consultation. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Drug Possession Tagged With: Things You Need to Know about the New Cannabis Laws in Maryland

Governor Signs Law Legalizing Recreational Use off Marijuana in Maryland

June 9, 2023 by Jonathan Smith

New Law Expands Use Beyond Medical Prescriptions

In the wake of a voter referendum in November 2022, calling for the state of Maryland to legalize the sale and production of cannabis for adult use, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill in May, 2023, establishing rules and procedures for the recreational use of marijuana. The new law requires that cannabis be sold through licensed retailers and imposes a 9% sales tax on all sales. Under the bill, up to 300 retail licenses will be issued across the state. Dispensaries may not be operated within 500 feet of schools, daycare facilities, playgrounds, libraries, recreational centers or public parks. Companies already licensed to dispense medical marijuana under existing state laws may apply for “dual licensure.”

Citing statistics that showed that the criminalization of marijuana disproportionately affected low income communities and communities of color, Governor Moore said that the new law should help lift those communities.

Proven Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 40 years, including people charged under Maryland law with child abuse. SuperLawyers has named him one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also cited him as a Top-Rated Lawyer.

Attorney Smith has been AV-rated (the highest possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System for more than three decades. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s prized Client Distinction Award, an accolade earned by less than 4% of all attorneys nationwide. He carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

A well-known and respected trial attorney, Jonathan has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland criminal law and procedure. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Contact a Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland, including people charged with any type of child abuse. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Drug Possession Tagged With: Governor Signs Law Legalizing Recreational Use off Marijuana in Maryland

Baltimore Crime Rate Unaffected by Less Prosecution of Crime

November 19, 2021 by Jonathan Smith

Study Shows No Increase after Decision Not to Prosecute Low-Level Crimes

A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, concluded that the 2020 decision by Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to stop prosecuting most drug possession and prostitution crimes has not led to an increase in the city’s crime rate. According to the report, there has been no meaningful increase in citizen-filed complaints related to drug possession or prostitution, and no evidence of any additional risk to public safety.

Gathering data over a 14-month-period, the study found that only six of those defendants who had prostitution or drug possession charges dropped were subsequently arrested for any type of violent crime.

Results-Oriented Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Over the last 30+ years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of people in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland who are under investigation for or have been charged with a criminal offense. He’s listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers and The American Lawyer Magazine tabbed him as a Top Rated Lawyer in 2012. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” organization, has also ranked him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Attorney Smith has long held the esteem of his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also been honored with Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has earned the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Known for his extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and for the skill and experience he brings to the defense of any criminal matter, attorney Smith knows how to quickly determine whether police have violated your constitutional rights during a search, seizure or arrest. He’s also a proven trial lawyer, with a reputation for aggressively advocating before a judge and jury.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.