Wicomico County, MD Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

The parks chapter's regulations section, which lists the rules applying to every county park, addresses cannabis directly in its smoking subsection. After setting the general smoking and vaping restrictions, the chapter adds two sentences aimed squarely at marijuana: use of cannabis in public parks must follow all local, state and federal laws, and then, without qualification, use of cannabis in public parks is prohibited. That second sentence leaves no exception for medical cardholders, vaping devices, or edibles consumed on park grounds; the prohibition covers any park or portion of a park owned, operated or established by Wicomico County, including playgrounds, beaches, recreational areas and buildings administered by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

The same subsection separately bars smoking or vaping inside county buildings and indoor facilities and within 25 feet of building entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows, and it authorizes the county to post additional smoking-free zones such as bleacher areas or concession stands. Enforcement of the cannabis ban rides on the chapter's general violations section: anyone who violates any provision of the parks chapter, including this cannabis prohibition, commits a civil infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $1,000, with a schedule of fines set by County Council resolution and each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense.

Citations may be issued by the Sheriff, Sheriff's deputies, state-designated special police assigned to county park property, or any person the County Council designates by resolution to enforce the chapter.