Marijuana Legal July 1 But Prince George’s Co. Parks Remain Smoke-Free

RIVERDALE, MD — While the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal July 1 in Maryland, parks in Prince George’s County will remain smoke-free, county officials said Tuesday in a news release.

The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, posted a reminder to the community that its parks have been, and will continue to be, smoke free. This includes all forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes and marijuana.

Maryland voters decided in November 2022 to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. The constitutional amendment makes recreational marijuana legal in July 2023 for people 21 and older.

To recognize the department’s compliance with laws governing background smoking, and the increased public health concern regarding the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes and marijuana, there is no smoking allowed in parks, officials said in a news release. This rule was adopted in 2017, to strengthen the commitment to promoting a healthful environment for employees and patrons.

Banned products in county parks include, but are not limited to:

• Marijuana
• Smokeless marijuana (edible, other)
• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Shisha
• Pipes
• Hookahs
• Smokeless tobacco (chew, snus, snuff, sticks, strips, orbs, other)

The park department's ban on smoking includes:

• Enclosed buildings
• Parks
• Outdoor facilities
• Community centers
• Buildings in developed park areas
• Third-party property that is leased or operated by the parks department

After July 1, 2023, an adult over the age of 21 can legally possess up to the following amounts:

1. up to 1.5 ounces cannabis or
2. up to 12 grams concentrated cannabis or
3. cannabis products containing up to 750 milligrams of delta-9-TCH or
4. up to 2 cannabis plants

To learn more about department rules and regulations, visit https://www.pgparks.com/safety-policy/policies.

For more on the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com.