Beginning this Tuesday, May 1, the sales tax on adult-use cannabis and cannabis products in Maryland will increase from 9% to 12%. The new rate was approved by the General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session.

Of the 12% tax, the additional 3% will be directed to the state’s general fund. Under Maryland law, the Comptroller of Maryland is responsible for collecting sales and use tax revenue from the retail sale of adult-use cannabis across the state.

Maryland voters approved the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over in a ballot referendum on November 8, 2022. Legal adult-use sales began on July 1, 2023.

Recently here in Montgomery County, readers of The Montgonion, a local satirical site known for blending humor with real community input, ranked Peake ReLeaf in Rockville as the county’s top dispensary for 2025, based on service, selection, pricing, rewards, and parking. The poll collected over 2,500 votes and highlighted the strengths of local dispensaries just as the statewide tax hike is set to take effect.

For more information on the tax increase, visit marylandtaxes.gov or contact the Comptroller’s Office.