Maine has one of the most established and permissive cannabis programs in the US, with both medical (since 1999) and recreational (since 2016) marijuana fully legal. The state allows home cultivation for both medical and recreational users, has numerous dispensaries, and a mature cannabis market. Maine's program is known for its craft cannabis culture and caregiver system that allows small-scale cultivation and sales. The state has relatively high possession limits (2.5 oz recreational) and allows various consumption methods. Maine continues to refine its regulatory framework while maintaining a cannabis-friendly environment for both patients and adult consumers.
For medical marijuana: 1) Get a written certification from any licensed Maine physician stating you have a qualifying condition, 2) Submit an application to the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy with the physician certification and required fee, 3) Receive your medical marijuana card upon approval. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few weeks.
Medical marijuana qualifying conditions include: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease, nail-patella syndrome, chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and any other condition as determined by a licensed physician. Maine's program is relatively inclusive and allows physician discretion for other debilitating conditions.
The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services oversees both medical and adult-use cannabis programs. The OCP handles licensing, regulation, compliance, and enforcement for all cannabis activities in Maine.
Yes, medical marijuana patients must register with the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy to receive a medical marijuana card. This card provides legal protections and access to medical dispensaries. Recreational users don't need to register - they can simply purchase from adult-use dispensaries with valid ID.
Medical patients access cannabis through licensed medical dispensaries (called caregiver stores) or by designating registered caregivers. Recreational users can purchase from adult-use dispensaries or grow their own. Maine has numerous dispensaries throughout the state serving both markets, with some overlap between medical and recreational facilities.
Medical marijuana registration costs $60 for a one-year card or $120 for a two-year card. Low-income patients may qualify for reduced fees. Cards must be renewed before expiration with updated physician certifications. Recreational users don't pay registration fees but pay taxes on purchases.
