Prince Frederick, Md. — Calvert County residents received notice March 5, 2026, of recent changes to Maryland law that limit the sale of hemp-derived intoxicating THC products, including Delta-8, Delta-10 and certain Delta-9 variants, to licensed cannabis dispensaries only. The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse issued a press release alerting the community to the restrictions, which bar such products from convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops and other unlicensed retailers. The move targets unregulated items often marketed as safe alternatives to adult-use cannabis, aiming to curb youth access amid concerns over appealing packaging.
The law empowers the Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission to enforce compliance, with authority to seize or destroy non-compliant THC products. Businesses selling restricted items without proper licensing face potential fines and enforcement actions. Reports of illegal sales can be submitted to the commissions tip line at atcctips@maryland.gov.
These products were widely available and often packaged in ways that appeal to young people, said Kimberly Shoe, board president, Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA). This law helps appropriately and keep out of the hands of minors.
Maryland defines intoxicating THC products as those exceeding 0.5 milligrams of THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, per standards from the Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission. Such items must adhere to strict packaging and labeling rules, including child-resistant and tamper-evident designs, no child-appealing imagery like candy or cartoons, and required details such as lot numbers, expiration dates, warnings, certificates of analysis via QR code, cannabinoid lists, dispensary information and the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Sales to those under 21 are prohibited under Criminal Law Article Section 10-108, with violations treated as misdemeanors carrying fines up to $5,000.
The regulations stem from 2025 legislation, Senate Bill 0214 and House Bill 0012, which addressed the proliferation of hemp-derived cannabinoids outside the states regulated cannabis market. These include Delta-8-THC, Delta-9-THC, Delta-10-THC and other lab-made forms that cause intoxication, excluding non-intoxicating CBD. The measures build on earlier court rulings affirming that synthetic psychoactive hemp products like Delta-8 and Delta-10 have always been illegal in Maryland, restricting their sale to licensed channels.
In Calvert County, the alliance emphasized community awareness to prevent misuse. The group, a grassroots coalition fighting alcohol and drug abuse, encourages residents to seek help for substance or mental health issues through local resources. Calvert County Behavioral Health Services offers support at 410-535-3079, while Calvert Crisis Response is available at 1-877-467-5628. The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides immediate aid via call or text.
The changes reflect broader state efforts to integrate hemp products into the regulated cannabis framework established after adult-use legalization. Maryland requires all intoxicating THC items to meet safety and labeling standards, with enforcement by the commissions Field Enforcement Division using packaging and display as evidence of violations, without needing chemical tests.
Unlicensed sellers risk product confiscation and legal penalties, as the law prioritizes public health by limiting access to potentially harmful unregulated goods. For full compliance details, visit the commissions site.
This development affects retailers across Southern Maryland, where hemp products have been common in non-specialized stores. Local advocates like the Calvert Alliance stress education on drug trends to foster healthier lifestyles. The organizations mission focuses on community engagement, prevention programs and resource sharing to combat substance misuse.
Residents concerned about illegal THC sales or needing assistance can contact the alliance at 410-535-3733 or caasa@calvertcountymd.gov. The group operates from 30 Duke Street, Suite 104, in Prince Frederick, promoting awareness of risks tied to alcohol and drug consumption.
As Maryland refines its cannabis regulations, the restrictions aim to protect vulnerable groups while supporting licensed operations. No immediate enforcement actions were detailed in the release, but the commission encourages tip submissions to aid investigations.