Maryland lawmakers are exploring the possibility of legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. But during a meeting Wednesday of the House of Delegates’ Cannabis Legalization Workgroup, some health experts warned against moving forward without both strong regulations and a public health campaign.
The majority of states have legalized some form of marijuana use, whether only allowing medical use or allowing adults to use it recreationally. Maryland’s medical marijuana program launched in 2017.
“The general perception of the risk and harm of cannabis use decreases post-legalization as it becomes more socially and societally acceptable,” said Taylor Kasky, director of policy and government affairs at the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.
However, use of the drug, particularly prolonged or frequent use, carries a number of risks, the experts told the lawmakers.
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