Should Maryland Allow the Sale of Fireworks?

Fourth of July weekend is upon us which means parades, barbecues and of course - fireworks. The legality of fireworks varies from county to county in Maryland. Fireworks with explosives and projectiles are illegal in the state.

In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items -- such as party poppers, snap pops, and snakes -- and ground-based sparkler devices are allowed in Maryland, says the state fire marshal’s office.

In Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George's counties sparklers are also illegal, with the punishment in Montgomery County potentially escalating to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail.

Purchasing and transporting fireworks across state lines is also considered illegal in Maryland. According to the Baltimore County Government, the use of the following devices are completely forbidden: Firecrackers, Cherry Bombs, Black Cats, M-80s, Crackling Balls and Smoke Bombs, Roman Candles and Bottle Rockets. The complete list can be viewed here.

• SEE ALSO: 4th of July Fireworks Guide 2016: Maryland Events (Updated)

Patch asked readers and Facebook users across the state if they thought these rules and guidelines were fair, and should Maryland allow fireworks to be sold?

Here's what your neighbors and fellow Marylanders said:

• "No, look how many accidents there are while they are illegal, imagine how many if they are legal. Too many adults, much less kids with no common sense these days." - Broadneck
• "I guess the question is why are some Counties allowed to sell and set off and others are not? Like PGC you can't even light sparklers as it is against the law. Either allow all or none." - Bowie
• "Yes! We don't need laws to keep stupid people from harming themselves. Those of us who can handle fireworks can enjoy them, while the morons weed themselves out of the gene pool." - Annapolis
• "Nope. Leave it to the professionals. I hate hearing fireworks in my neighborhood all night." - Anne Arundel
• "No. And Howard County shouldn't allow private citizens to fire them off, either." - Ellicott City
• " Why ask the question? With the elected officials Maryland has, it'll never change. Lets decriminalize marijuana but outlaw sparklers, makes sense." - Bowie
• "No, no, no. Idiots would be blowing their hands off, and even worse, hurting others. I'm pretty sure that alcohol 'would be a factor'. More injuries, more lawsuits. It's not worth the price." - Annapolis

Wherever you stand on the issue, the National Fire Protection Agency cautions the public, "to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals." The complete list of local fireworks shows can be found on Patch's 2016 Maryland Fireworks Guide.