Criminal Law - Drug Trafficking Crime - Definition

HB 171 modifies Maryland's definition of "drug trafficking crime" to include misdemeanor cannabis possession or distribution violations (under sections 5-602(b)(1) and 5-603(b)), expanding the scope of offenses triggering firearm restrictions. This means individuals charged with certain cannabis-related misdemeanors could now face enhanced penalties if they possess a firearm during the offense. The bill mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for a first offense and 10 years for repeat offenses, with no possibility of sentence suspension or parole eligibility. It directly affects people convicted of cannabis misdemeanors who possess firearms, as these offenses would now qualify as "drug trafficking crimes" under the law. The changes would take effect October 1, 2026.