Marijuana dispensaries in Maine

Visiting a Marijuana Dispensary in Maine

Maine is known for many things, including the vibrant quality of life and incredible views from the oceanfront. Yet, this somewhat remote area is also home to numerous modern cities and changing laws. For those making the trip to Maine or planning a move there, it’s important to know where the dispensaries in Maine are. Is weed legal in Maine? The answer is yes, recreational and medical use of cannabis is allowable under the state’s laws. 

The Lowdown on Maine Marijuana Laws

In 1913, the state of Maine banned the use of marijuana in all forms. However, in 1976, the state was one of the first to take action to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. It wouldn’t be until 1999 that the state took further action to allow patients to use marijuana for medical needs. That first cannabis law also allowed for medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants. 

In 2013, the city of Portland took action to decriminalize the possession as well as the use of marijuana. A year later, the city of South Portland did the same.

Then, in 2016, the state proposed the legalization of marijuana for both sale and use on the ballot. With less than one percent of the vote, the initiative won, though there would be a recount required. The Marijuana Legalization Act passed, making it legal to use and sell marijuana for recreational use in the state of Maine. 

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Maine

With the passage of the Marijuana Legalization Act in 2016, it became legal for people who were not a part of the state’s medical cannabis program to grow and possess personal usage quantities of cannabis. The law also created licensing laws and rules for the commercial production of cannabis and retail stores selling it.

It’s important to know that localities in the state still have the right to regulate, limit, and even prohibit the presence of marijuana businesses within their jurisdictions if they decide to do so under Maine marijuana laws. Recreational marijuana sales first went into effect in October of 2020. 

In the state, recreational users are allowed:

• Up to three mature plants for personal use needs

• 2.5 ounces of marijuana 

• Up to 5 grams of concentrate 

• Up to 12 immature marijuana plants

• No limitation on seedlings

Medical Cannabis Laws in Maine

Those with approved medical conditions are able to use the state’s medical cannabis laws. The program aims to be as efficient as possible to ensure individuals are able to obtain the necessary support they need. In June of 2019, the state moved to remove the requirement for those visiting the state to have a Maine-based medical provider allow for obtaining cannabis. 

Under the state’s medical cannabis laws, a medical patient is able to:

• Have up to 2.5 ounces of prepared marijuana available

• Have up to 8 pounds of dried marijuana 

• Up to 6 mature plants

• Up to 12 immature plants

• Unlimited numbers of seedlings

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine

To obtain a medical marijuana card in Maine, a person needs to obtain approval from a doctor. A licensed medical provider is able to use an online tool through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to certify patients for the use of medical marijuana. 

To obtain a card, a person needs to:

• Visit a medical provider licensed in the state.

• Complete an online account registration and go through the application process.

• Request that the medical provider use this online system to approve their application for medical marijuana use. 

Where it is Legal to Consume Cannabis in Maine

A person over the age of 21 is allowed to consume cannabis in private. It is not legal to use it in any location where smoking is banned. It also cannot be used on playgrounds, near schools, or in public transportation. 

How to Buy Cannabis at a Maine Dispensary

It is only legal to purchase cannabis from a state-licensed retail location. While the laws allowing recreational use are somewhat new, there are numerous retail establishments available throughout the state. Recreational dispensaries in Maine for adult-use marijuana products are typically available in larger cities, but new locations are popping up often. It is even possible to find dispensaries in Bangor, Maine, and surrounding areas. Most offer in-person pickup, and some offer delivery services. 

Cannabis Taxes in Maine

The 2016 law put in place a 10 percent tax on all commercial production and sales of marijuana products. These funds go to support a wide range of programs maintained by the state.