Maine Marijuana Laws

Updated August 2019

In an extremely close race, the people of Maine just recently approved a measure to legalize adult use cannabis. Medical marijuana has also been legalized in Maine. Learn more about Maine marijuana laws below.

Recreational Marijuana in Maine

Is marijuana legal in Maine? Yes– in November 2016, Maine voters approved Question 1 to legalize recreational marijuana. Passing by just 2,620 votes, Question 1, also referred to as the Maine Marijuana Legalization Measure, allows individuals over the age of 21 to possess up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana, and the substance is regulated and taxed as an agricultural product. The law also allows adults to grow up to 6 flowering marijuana plants, 12 immature marijuana plants and unlimited seedlings. Consuming marijuana in a public place is not permitted.

Medical Marijuana in Maine

Medical marijuana was legalized in Maine on November 2, 1999 when more than 60 percent of voters approved the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act. Under the law, qualified patients or caregivers can carry up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana, and cultivate up to 6 mature marijuana plants. A primary caregiver must be 21 years or older, and should have no prior disqualifying drug offenses.

Under Maine marijuana laws, visitors who have valid registry identification cards to use medical marijuana from other states are allowed to use medical cannabis for 30 days without having to obtain a Maine registry identification card. Visitors, however, are not permitted to purchase medical marijuana in Maine.

Maine has awarded licenses to 8 dispensaries that are now fully operational.

Approved conditions are as follows:

Alzheimer’s Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Crohn’s Disease
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS
Huntington’s Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Nail-patella Syndrome
Nausea
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Consumption of CBD from Hemp Oil

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal under Federal Law in the United States; however, individual state laws are dynamic and fluid. Individual states may enact their own laws governing hemp-derived CBD.

Cultivation of Cannabis in Maine

The cultivation of up to 6 flowering marijuana plants and 12 immature marijuana plants by adults 21 and older is legal under Maine’s Question 1. The law also allows adults to cultivate unlimited seedlings.

Registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers can grow up to 6 marijuana plants, out of which only 3 may be mature at one time. If a patient has named 2 primary caregivers, only of them can cultivate medical marijuana.

Individuals in Maine can also apply for federal permits to cultivate industrial hemp under the LD 1159 Act of 2009.

Legal Status of Other U.S. States

Stay up to date on the latest state legislation, referendums, and public opinion polls. Our Marijuana Legalization Map allows you to browse the current status of medical and recreational marijuana laws in other U.S. states and territories.

Sources

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