A medical marijuana dispensary held its grand opening in Hyattsville Friday, as Maryland moves closer to recreational sales later this year.

Located at 2486 Chillum Rd. near the intersection with Queens Chapel Road, Story Cannabis Co. sells edibles, vape cartridges and leaves for smoking. The chain also has locations in Mechanicsville and Waldorf.

Under state law, Maryland residents can register to buy marijuana for medical purposes after supplying a current photo, government-issued ID, a Social Security number, proof of state residency and a recent passport-style ID and paying a small fee.

But applicants also must provide a written certification of need after an in-person visit with a health-care provider with whom they have a “bona fide” relationship.

About 160,000 Maryland residents already have these cards, and state dispensaries sold about $600 million worth of medical marijuana in 2021.

After two-thirds of voters approved a referendum in November, the state will begin selling marijuana to recreational users who are at least 21 years old starting on July 1, meaning that market could expand to more than 4 million residents.

The state legislature will need to pass enabling laws that will set rules on taxing recreational marijuana and licensing of dispensaries. Based on the experience in other states, it can take several years for the recreational market to be fully up-and-running.

Due to federal laws against marijuana possession, it will be illegal to transport any marijuana, whether for medical or recreational purposes, across state lines.

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