Maine Marijuana Laws

Marijuana is legal for medical and recreational purposes in Maine. But, that’s not the only thing patients and consumers need to know about marijuana in Maine.

As a resident or visitor in the Pine Tree State, you need to understand Maine marijuana laws and how they can help you improve access to marijuana and avoid trouble.

So, what are these Maine medical marijuana laws and recreational cannabis laws in Maine?

Maine Medical Marijuana: Legalizing for Medical Use

In November 1999, voters in Maine approved Question 2, a measure that allowed patients with specific illnesses to use medical marijuana and grow their plants.

However, the program was limited because there was no licensed distribution mechanism, making it challenging for patients to get medical marijuana.

But in 2009, voters passed the Maine Medical Marijuana Act, which expanded the initial, limited medical marijuana law. The new act increased the possession limit and established a licensed dispensary system so patients could get their drugs.

The Office of Cannabis Policy regulates medical marijuana in Maine via the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Program.

As of September 2022, Maine has issued 8,973 medical marijuana patient certificates. 

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in Maine?

Maine legalized recreational marijuana in 2016 when voters approved Question 1, the Maine Marijuana Legalization Measure. According to Maine marijuana law, adults 21 and older can possess, consume, and cultivate marijuana for personal use. 

Recreational legalization in Maine was resisted by lawmakers who tried to prevent recreational sales. Also, Maine’s recreational marijuana has undergone some amendments, but recreational marijuana remains legal.

The OCP issued the first adult-use establishment licenses on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.  

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine

Maine medical marijuana laws state that patients must obtain a medical marijuana registry identification card before buying and possessing medical marijuana in Maine.

You may wonder why you need a medical marijuana card since recreational marijuana is legal. That’s because a medical marijuanas card in Maine has the following benefits:

• Lower age limit: Anyone can buy medical marijuana in Maine, no matter how young. But, cannabis laws in Maine require you to be at least 21 to purchase recreational marijuana. If you’re not up to 21 and have a qualifying condition, you need a medical marijuana card to buy and possess marijuana.
• Reciprocity: Some states have only a medical program, so if you find yourself in such a state and their medical marijuana laws allow for reciprocity, you’ll be glad you have a medical marijuana card.
• Higher Potency: Recreational marijuana is subject to THC limits, while medical marijuana has no such limitations.
• Lower Costs: Sales and excise tax applies to recreational marijuana, while medical marijuana has only tax. This tax structure means that medical marijuana patients can buy more marijuana at a lesser cost.

Now that you know the benefits of a medical marijuanas card in Maine, Elevate Holistics is here to help you know how to get one. Click here for more. 

Maine Marijuana Laws

Is cannabis legal in Maine? Yes, it is, but there are other laws you need to know. Understanding the full length of marijuana laws helps you get access and stay on the right side of the law. 

Where Can I Consume Marijuana in Maine?

According to cannabis laws in Maine, it is illegal to consume – smoke, eat, vape – marijuana in public spaces.

Public spaces include bars, restaurants, sidewalks, amusement parks, playgrounds, roads, campsites, cafes, ski resorts, sporting establishments, music venues, bars, and cannabis retail businesses. Public use of marijuana will result in a $100 fine.

On the bright side, using cannabis within your private residence is legal. However, property owners, landlords, and rental companies can prohibit cannabis use on their property as part of the rental agreement. 

What is the Maine Marijuana Possession Limit?

The possession limit is essential to Maine marijuana laws because it specifies how much marijuana you can legally carry. Adults aged 21 and older can possess up to 2.5 grams of cannabis and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate.

It is illegal to possess more marijuana than the legal limit. Hence, possession of more than 2.5 ounces but less than eight ounces is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 maximum fine.

Possession of more than eight ounces and up to one pound of marijuana is punishable by a year in prison and a $2,000 fine. 

Maine Marijuana DUI Laws

It is illegal for drivers and passengers to use marijuana in a vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. So, even if you use marijuana before getting into the car, police can arrest you for DUI.

Marijuana can linger in your system for days after consumption. Thus, if the police pull you over because you’re driving erratically and with marijuana in your system, you’ll face the consequences.

The penalty for a first-time DUI offense is 48hrs in jail, license suspension for 150 days, and a $500 minimum fine. A second offense is punishable by three years of license suspension, a minimum of seven days in jail, and a $700 – $900 fine. 

Can You Grow Weed in Maine?

Maine marijuana laws allow recreational users and medical marijuana patients to grow marijuana, but the limits differ.

Medical marijuana patients can grow up to six mature plants, while recreational users can grow only three mature plants. Also, recreational users must be at least 21 to grow marijuana.

If you grow marijuana at home, you must abide by the following Maine laws on weed:

• It must not be visible to the public. Maine marijuana laws state that “an adult who chooses to grow plants for personal use must make sure their cannabis is not visible from a public way without the use of binoculars or other visual aid.”
• It must be in a secure location. According to mine marijuana laws, “an adult who chooses to grow their own plants must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access by individuals under the age of 21.”
• Maine marijuana laws require that you tag your plants properly with your name, driver’s license, or state identification card number. 

Does Maine Medical Marijuana Law Have Reciprocity?

Yes, Maine medical marijuana laws allow medical marijuana patients from out of state to buy medical marijuana in Maine if they have a valid MMJ card from their home state.

Visiting patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana from Maine dispensaries every 15 days. 

Can Patients Have Caregivers?

For patients who need assistance with medical marijuana, Maine medical marijuana laws allow them to have caregivers.

However, caregivers must be aged 21 and above, undergo a criminal background check, and register in the medical marijuana program.

Click here for everything you need to know about the caregiver registration process. 

Get the Best of Marijuana in Maine With Elevate Holistics

Is cannabis legal in Maine? Yes, you can use marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes in Maine, but you have to follow the laws to the letter.

We know that these laws can sometimes feel like too much hassle, but Elevate Holistics can help you understand how marijuana rules and applications work and smoothen the application process. You can trust us to provide up-to-date information and satisfactory marijuana service.

We can help you get your MMJ card in 14 different states, fix an appointment with a qualified doctor and find a licensed dispensary. Your journey to wellness begins with us.

Click here to get started in one of the states that we service.