Maine Recreational & Medical Marijuana Laws

What's the real status on Maine marijuana laws?

Maine marijuana laws

Across the country, states are beginning to legalize recreational marijuana. Following the lead of Colorado and Washington, about half of the states have legal, medical marijuana, many of which do not criminalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Maine joined the growing list of states that allow recreational marijuana when voters approved a ballot initiative in 2016, allowing owning up to 2.4 ounces of usable marijuana and growing up to six plants in the home.

Maine medical marijuana law

Today, Maine is one of the 18 US states to legalize medical marijuana and one of the 37 states to legalize recreational use of cannabis. In addition, the Maine legislature was among the first to adopt and legalize medical marijuana as an alternative treatment option for patients approved by licensed health care professionals.

It was the fifth state to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries for patients with certain debilitating medical conditions. Since the founding of the Medical Marijuana Program, Maine has expanded from a system of 8 patient-centered dispensaries — one in each public health district — to 13, according to the Office of Cannabis Policy Annual 2021 Report. In the same report, OCP noted the number of testimonials printed increased by approximately 10% to 105,143 prints in 2021. Since the marijuana is both medically and recreationally legal in Maine, understanding the distinction between the laws of each program is essential to determine which one is right for you.

Maine law on recreational use

Recognizing that the vast woodlands in Maine are privately owned, the state instituted a law that provides legal protection for landowners who allow free access to those lands for recreational purposes. a law known as the “Recreational Use Act” (14 MSR.A. § 159-A) protects a landowner from liability if a person is injured while recreating it on the landowner’s property. Allowing access to large tracts of woodland in the northern part of the state may be the motive for the law, but it is not limited to those areas. In general, the law protects landowners in how it is written and amended and how it is applied in the courts.

Maine law on the use of CBD oils

Maine has been actively enacting cannabis laws since the late 1990s. For such reason, there is little difference between medical and recreational use nowadays. Here’s a look at the lobster pot of Middle Eastern laws. The state began decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana in 1976. Maine was the third state in the country to do so. In 1999, voters approved a ballot to create a medical marijuana program for eligible patients. Additional polling measures expanded the program in 2009. In the same year, marijuana possession was decriminalized by 250 Libyan dinars. Things boomed in 2016 when the Recreational Marijuana Legalization Act was legalized.

However, the law didn’t essentially go into effect until 2020 with the passage of the 719 LD, which set up a way to regulate and tax marijuana sales. The 2018 Farm Bill made the hemp-derived CBD with ≤3% THC legal at the federal level. This hasn’t impacted CBD in Maine, even though the state has already allowed cannabis medicinally and recreationally. Early 2019 saw Maine attempt to ban foods containing CBD. This did not last long because, by then, the demand for these products was very high, and it was difficult to enforce the law.

Maine marijuana penalties

Possession of a “useable amount” with proof of a doctor’s recommendation is not penalized. Control is between 2.5-8 ounces. It is a Class E offense punishable by a maximum of six months in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000. Possession is between 8-16 oz. It is a Class D crime with a maximum prison sentence of one year and a maximum fine of $2,000. Possession between 1-20 lbs. It’s a Class C crime punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Possession of more than 20 lbs. It is a Class B crime punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000. Selling 1 pound or less is a Class D crime punishable by a maximum of 1 year in the prison and a maximum fine of $2,000. It is selling over 1 – less than 20 lbs. It’s a Class C crime punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. It is selling over 1 – less than 20 lbs. To a minor or within the 1,000 feet of the school or school bus or in conjunction with a previous conviction of the similar offense, the use of a firearm or the use of the minor is a Class B offense punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison with a mandatory two-year minimum imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Maine Marijuana Laws in relation to the US Federal Government

Maine Law and other US States

The best thing to do is to be informed and visit our United States marijuana law pages and our individual US state profile pages regarding marijuana and CBD.