Maryland Governor Signs Bill Protecting Parents Who Lawfully Use Marijuana From Child ‘Neglect’ Penalties

The governor of Maryland has signed a bill to make it so the lawful and responsible use of marijuana by parents and guardians will not be construed by state officials as child “neglect.”

Gov. Wes Moore (D) gave final approval to the legislation from Sen. Jill Carter (D) and Del. Nicole Williams (D) on Tuesday.

It will take effect starting on July 1, which is also when the state’s legalization law goes into force and retail sales could begin. After voters approved a legalization referendum at the ballot last year, lawmakers passed a bill to enact regulations for a commercial market that Moore signed earlier this month.

Accordingly, the legislature passed additional legislation last month to provide legal protections for parents and custodians who participate in the market.

The legislation the governor signed works by adding language to statute stating that childhood 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,” with certain exceptions.

A caretaker could be found liable of neglect if “the child’s health or welfare is harmed or place at substantial risk of harm” or “the child has

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