{"id":3560,"date":"2021-02-01T23:30:15","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T23:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/?post_type=law&p=3560"},"modified":"2025-11-26T18:20:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T18:20:30","slug":"maine","status":"publish","type":"law","link":"https:\/\/weedmaps.com\/learn\/laws-and-regulations\/maine","title":{"rendered":"Maine Weed Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\tIs weed legal in Maine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Both medical and adult-use, or recreational, cannabis is legal in Maine for adults 21 and older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tLegislation history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Nov. 2, 1999, Maine Medical Marijuana for Specific Illnesses, or Ballot Question 2, passed with 61% of the votes. It legalized medical cannabis for patients suffering from serious health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2009 voters passed the Maine Medical Marijuana Act<\/a>, which expanded the state's existing program and decriminalized possession of up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of cannabis. It officially established the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP) and created a system of nonprofit dispensaries and cultivators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Nov. 8, 2016, Maine voters passed An Act to Legalize Marijuana<\/a>, allowing adults 21 and older to possess, consume, and cultivate marijuana for personal use. Since voters approved the original legislation in November 2016, the legislature made a number of changes and compromises and had to overcome vetoes to pass an amended law, LD 1719<\/a>. Among the changes was reducing the number of marijuana plants a recreational consumer can grow at home from six to three. The Legislature also postponed consideration of cannabis social clubs until 2023, leaving private property as the only place where recreational cannabis can be consumed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The revised law established rules for sales of recreational weed and gave Mainers priority for commercial licenses. The provision giving priority to in-state businesses was struck down in 2020 after an out-of-state business brought a lawsuit. That was just one of the wrinkles that kept the state from awarding any recreational retail licenses until September 2020.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to purchase weed in Maine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medical marijuana cardholders and recreational customers can find licensed dispensaries in Maine<\/a> and search by major metro areas including Augusta, Bangor, and Portland. Many dispensaries in Maine offer delivery and curbside pickup services in addition to storefront sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tWhere is it safe to consume weed in Maine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cannabis consumption must take place in a private space such as one's home or other private property. Consuming cannabis or cannabis-infused products in public is subject to a $100 fine. Use of marijuana in a parked car or in public view is also prohibited. Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of cannabis is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPossessing cannabis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Qualified patients and caregivers can possess: <\/p>\n\n\n\n