Maine Cannabis Laws 2020

According to Maine cannabis laws, both recreational and medical cannabis use are legal. However, when it comes to purchasing recreational pot things can get a little challenging. So, in this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Maine pot laws of 2020.

Is Weed Legal in Maine? Heck Yes!

Maine pot laws mean that both recreational and medical marijuana is legal for possession and use. In fact, citizens of Maine can even cultivate their own pot at home.

But, there’s a bit of a grey area!

In Maine, dispensaries are only accessible to medical marijuana users! Currently, there are no recreational dispensaries open in Maine.

Maine Recreational Marijuana Laws 

In 2016, the citizens and governing parties of Maine saw the potential the cannabis industry can have on the state’s economy. So, it was in 2016 when the Marijuana Legalization act came into play!

The Maine cannabis laws for recreational use are similar to those seen in other recreational weed states, where pot is legal. The laws pertaining to marijuana for adult use are as follows:

• Only adults who are 21 years of age and older can partake in recreational marijuana use.
• Maine pot laws state that adults can possess and use up to 2.5 ounces of pot. Adults are also permitted to transport up to 2.5 ounces of pot.
• Prefer concentrates? Maine recreation marijuana laws state that you can only possess up to 5 grams of concentrate at a time.

But, can you grow your own marijuana in Maine?

Yes! You can! Let’s break down the Maine recreational marijuana cultivation laws

1. Maine cultivation laws state that an adult can possess an unlimited number of seedlings, BUT
2. Adults can only possess and cultivate up to 12 immature marijuana plants OR
3. Up to 3 mature marijuana plants

Before you decide to become your very own marijuana farmer, there are a few cultivation regulations  you need to follow:

1. First and foremost, we must emphasize that if you choose to grow marijuana at home. It can only be for your personal use. It is illegal to grow and sell homegrown marijuana.
2. Under Maine cannabis laws, cultivated marijuana must be kept hidden away from the public eye. Now, when we say hidden, we mean completely unseen! So the safest route seems to be indoor growing.
3. For every plant you are growing on your private property, you'll need to attach a tag that has your name and driver’s license number/ some form of an identification number. Most importantly, the tag must state that your cannabis plants are grown for your own personal use. Finally, if you are growing cannabis on a property owned by someone else, the tag needs to state the name of the owner of the property as well.

Maine Recreational Marijuana: Consumption Laws Explained!

Although cannabis is legal in this state, users need to be aware of the consumption laws and regulations. Maine cannabis laws state that a person wanting to consume, use/smoke marijuana, must do so on their private property. Maine pot laws emphasize that a private property/residence is one that is not accessible or in view of the general public. 

That being said, there are a few places where you cannot use your cannabis. For example:

• You cannot smoke or use cannabis in an operating vehicle. You cannot use cannabis while driving or as a passenger in a vehicle.
• Smoking marijuana in places designated for smokers is illegal. 
• Most importantly, weed laws in Maine state that a person cannot smoke, use, or consume cannabis in a private property that is used in child care and daycare services. 

A violation of any of the offenses listed above is punishable with a fine of up to $100.

Is Weed Legal in Maine: Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act

On November 2nd, 1999, medical cannabis become legalized for patients who suffered from debilitating chronic conditions. 

For a patient to qualify for medical marijuana, they needed to have a medical condition that was deemed “qualifying” under Maine medical marijuana laws. Some of these conditions included cancer, HIV, Glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, etc. 

Over the years, both doctors and lawmakers saw that medical marijuana can be used to help a lot of people with a range of medical condition—not just the ones which were deemed qualifying. Hence, in July of 2018, LB 1539 completely removed the requirements considered a qualifying condition.

So, what are the rules regarding medical marijuana in Maine? Let’s break it down!

• Maine pot laws dictate that for patients interested in participating in the medical marijuana program. The minimum age requirement is 18 years and older. Now, if you have a patient who is below the age of 18, then they’ll require a designated guardian or caregiver to act and register on their behalf.
• Under Maine pot laws, patients must consult a medical professional to qualify for the Maine Marijuana Program. Importantly, the consulting physician must provide a certification indicating the patients’ need for medical marijuana. 
• Maine pot laws dictate that the legal limit for medical marijuana possession is 2.5 ounces. In contrast, the legal limit for concentrate possession is 2.5 ounces.

4 Must-Know Facts about Maine Marijuana Medical Programs

1. Maine weed laws state that a patient registry identification card is completely voluntary.
2. To qualify for medical marijuana, you will require a doctors certification 
3. Visting from another state? You will need to provide your state-issued Registry Identification Card, photo identification, certification from your home state indicating you’re a qualifying patient.
4. Don’t think about crossing borders! Yes, both recreational and medical cannabis is legal in Canada. However, that doesn’t give you a free pass to jump the border with pot! Crossing the border with pot is a breach in federal law. The U.S.Customs and Border Protection have the right to seize, apprehend, and fine travelers who possess and use cannabis.

COVID-19 has Affected Maine Marijuana Laws

It was early this year when the state lawmakers projected the launch of adult-use recreational cannabis stores across the state. However, given the current epidemic that swept the nation—COVID19—it’s not clear as to when recreational marijuana dispensaries may open.

Where is Pot Legal Besides Maine: Recreational Weed States

Are you a medical cannabis patient from another state? In the state of Maine, patients from other states can purchase medical marijuana from Maine dispensaries if they are classed as a qualifying patient. Patients visiting Maine can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 15 days.

States with Recreational Weed

To qualify for medical marijuana purchasing, you will need to be from one of these states where recreational weed is legal.

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington
• Washington, DC

Maine Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries 

Currently, dispensaries only exist for medical marijuana patients. Medical dispensaries are located all across Maine. Some notable mentions include Wellness Connection which has dispensaries across South Portland, Portland, Gardiner, and Brewer. Some other great medical marijuana dispensaries in Maine include:

• New World Organics —Belfast
• Full Bloom Cannabis —Fort Kent
• Maine Organic Therapy—Ellsworth 
• Richardson Remedies—Caribou, and 
• Green Tip Cannabis—Cornish

  But, what about recreational marijuana? This is a tricky one! 

As mentioned earlier, due to the pandemic, the recreational marijuana market has come to a halt as of 2020. Currently, there seem to be no recreational dispensaries selling recreational marijuana in Maine.

So, how are people getting their weed?

Multiple sources show that people purchase recreational marijuana from other users who grow it. People interested in recreational marijuana, often look online for dealers on social media groups, Reddit, and Craiglist.

Now, remember, the selling and distribution of marijuana is a crime. In fact, selling 1 lb or less of cannabis is considered a Class D criminal act, that’s punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and imprisonment of up to 1 year.

So, if you were to scroll through listings, you would see that dealers actually give clients marijuana for free, however, they place a hefty delivery charge. 

Definitely, a grey area! 

So, Is Marijuana Legal in Maine?

Yes, it is! Both recreational and medical marijuana has been legalized in this sunny state. That being said, there is a bit of a grey area, where recreational marijuana dispensaries aren’t accessible to the public.

Nevertheless, it seems as though, the citizens of Maine may have found a way to get around the lack of recreational marijuana dispensaries in Maine.