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Maine

Regulatory Framework

The Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of legalized cannabis in Maine, acting as the primary state entity for both adult-use and medical cannabis programs. [1] The OCP falls under the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) which serves as the primary financial advisor for the governor and legislature [2]. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) also plays a significant role in cannabis regulation, licensing cannabis food and beverage processing, and regulating the state's hemp program. The agency's Board of Pesticides Control also licenses pesticide use for medical cannabis cultivation [3, 4, 5].

Legal Status

Following a moratorium on the implementation of parts of legalization following voter approval in 2016, licensed cannabis sales began in the state in 2020. Maine law includes opt-in requirements from local governments for most businesses to be approved. [6]

Market Status Statute
Adult-Use Legal Cannabis Legalization Act (Question 1, approved by voters in November 2016) [6]
Medical Legal Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act of 1999 (MMUP) [7]
Homegrow Legal Up to 3 mature plants and 12 immature plants per household for adult-use; cultivation quantities for medical use set by healthcare provider up to 30 plants [8]

Track-and-Trace

Metrc is the vendor contracted by the OCP to serve as the track-and-trace system for adult-use cannabis sales [9]. As of 2024, Patients and caregivers in the medical program are not currently required to use a track-and-trace system for cannabis cultivated for sale through dispensaries. [10]

Licensing

OCP issues licenses for both adult-use and medical cannabis businesses. Adult-use cannabis establishments include cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, sampling facilities, and testing facilities. [11] Medical cannabis establishments include caregivers, dispensaries, and inherently hazardous substances manufacturing facilities. [12]

Possession Limits

Item Possession Limit
Adult-use cannabis flower 2.5 ounces
Adult-use cannabis concentrate 5 grams
Medical cannabis (specified by healthcare provider) Can exceed adult-use limits [8]

Medical Cannabis

Patients seeking to participate in the MMCP must be residents of Maine and certified by a "licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant in good standing." The medical practitioner determines if medical cannabis is appropriate and there are no restrictions on qualifying medical conditions. Once certified, patients apply for a registry identification card from the OCP. [13] Maine also has a reciprocity program that recognizes patient authorizations from other states [14].

Additional Resources

References