CBD in Maine: Official State Guide

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Maine’s CBD laws are some of the most progressive in the nation. CBD products along with medical and recreational marijuana use are not only legal but a booming industry that is easy to access by following state laws and instructions.

In this article, we will go over the laws and regulations for CBD in Maine and how to obtain a medical marijuana card.

Is CBD Legal in Maine? Laws and Regulations

In Maine, CBD products, as well as recreational and medical cannabis, are legal. Maine has also legalized cannabis growing for personal use and large-scale commercial industry cultivation.

Maine’s medical and recreational marijuana laws state age requirements and possession limits. Recreational marijuana usage has an age requirement of 21 or older. Medicinal marijuana and CBD products have an age requirement of 18 or older.

They also place regulations on CBD and THC content in marijuana and other consumable products like oils, gummies, gels, and edibles. CBD products must have .3% concentration of THC for legal sale to medicinal users 18 or older. 

Maine also allows for the purchase of hemp and cannabis products with a higher concentration of CBD with a medical marijuana card. Recreational marijuana and other cannabis products tend to have a much higher THC concentration due to its euphoria-inducing properties.

Consequently, the legal age for recreational use is the same as the legal drinking age. 

CBD oil derived from hemp is the one CBD product that does not require a medical marijuana card or license to purchase in Maine.

Maine CBD Possession Limits

Hemp-derived CBD, CBD oil, and other CBD products have no possession limits, nor are there possession limits for CBD derived from cannabis. However, there are possession limits for medical marijuana and recreational marijuana. 

You are allowed up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana at any given time. If you plan on growing and cultivating larger quantities, you will have to obtain a grower's license.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine

While you can find all the technical details, statutes, regulations, and forms from Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy, it’s difficult to cipher through all the legal jargon. Here, we’ll help you navigate the straightforward process of obtaining and medical marijuana card in Maine.

Luckily, the process consists of only two steps. After that, you can use your medical marijuana card to purchase medical-grade marijuana from licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, designated caregivers, or you can grow your own plants.

Step 1: Consult with a Physician in Maine

Many states issue MMJ cards through a government entity that is responsible for the entire process of evaluation, examination, approval, and issuance. However, in Maine, private, independent physicians must execute a physical evaluation and examination of your medical records before approving you for an MMJ card.

Once they approve you for an MMJ card, the physician will register you with the MMMP (Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program) and give you a medical marijuana certification. The physician’s office will then print out and issue an MMJ Certificate that you use to purchase medical marijuana. 

You can also print an official MMJ card from the comfort of your home if the approval process isn’t immediate. Usually, the consultation, approval, and issuance of the MMJ card happen in one appointment.

Since medical marijuana use is still a hotly debated topic in the medical industry, there are physicians that refuse to issue MMJ cards. If one of them happens to be your primary care physician, don’t despair. 

There are plenty of physicians willing to provide MMJ evaluations for you. You can find a long list of pro-MMJ doctors in Maine to set up a consultation through various MMJ service websites. 

Step 2 – Provide all Required Documentation for Your Maine MMJ Card

You will need three documents for your consultation and MMJ card approval and issuance:

1. Proof of Maine residence: This can be a driver's license, state- i.d. or passport.
2. A copy of your medical record: You will have to fill out a medical release form requesting a copy of your medical record from your primary health care provider. State law requires health providers to send you a copy of your medical record within 15 days of your request. You do not have to give a reason for wanting a copy.

The medical record should show that you suffer from one of the ailments or conditions that merits a medical marijuana card according to Maine’s health criteria. 

3. Payment: Most physician's offices accept all valid forms of payment including credit and debit cards, checks, and cash. 

Once you have been approved and issued your MMJ card, you can obtain your medical marijuana by purchasing it from a licensed dispensary, using a designated caregiver, or growing marijuana in your home.

Medical Marijuana Card Costs: Application Fees, Consultation Fees, Renewal Fees

To apply for an MMJ card, there is a flat rate of $100. Physician consultations for evaluation and issuance range anywhere between $200-$300. 

Once you receive your card, you can use it for one year before you apply for a renewal, which is free. You must apply for a renewal 30 days before your current card expires.

Finding Marijuana Dispensaries in Maine

There are currently 6 medical marijuana dispensaries in Maine. You can find their addresses and contact information at Maine’s official state government website.

For recreational users, there are over 65 recreational dispensaries to choose from statewide. The vast majority offer curbside pickup and online ordering due to the current pandemic. A few stores offer delivery services.

If you have a medical marijuana card, you can purchase recreational marijuana from these dispensaries at a discounted price.

While you can purchase recreational marijuana with a medical marijuana card from any dispensary you choose, there is a difference between recreational marijuana and medical marijuana.

Recreational marijuana has higher THC content. While medical marijuana has a higher CBD content. 

FAQ’s

Next Steps

CBD products, as well as medical and recreational marijuana, are legal in Maine with a few stipulations that limit possession to 2.5 grams, age requirements of 18 or 21 for medical and recreational use, respectively, and the procurement of grow licenses and medical marijuana cards.

Obtaining medical marijuana cards in Maine is a quick and easy process consisting of a consultation with a licensed physician, providing necessary documentation, and paying required fees.

Once you have your card, you can purchase CBD products and medicinal marijuana from various licensed dispensaries around the state of Maine.

Now that you know how easy and painless it is to get an MMJ card, we hope you won’t hesitate to apply and make an appointment with a physician to begin your healing process.