Maine
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR MAINE
The Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) is responsible for licensing and regulating all cannabis businesses in Maine. In fulfilling these duties, the department collaborates closely with the Department of Public Safety to address any public safety or law enforcement concerns that may arise. Licenses are granted only to Maine residents, and dispensaries must first obtain a state license before seeking local authorization.
Compared to other states, Maine offers very affordable application and licensing fees. To apply, a $250 payment is required to the DAFS, and the annual licensing fee can be up to $2,500, depending on the business size. Cannabis is subject to a 10% sales tax, which creates a favorable market for vendors.
Additionally, Maine has a strong focus on supporting small businesses and ensuring that the cannabis industry remains accessible to local entrepreneurs. The state also emphasizes sustainability and environmentally friendly practices within the cannabis sector.
Contact PayRio today for more information on how our services can meet the processing needs of your Maine cannabusiness
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN MAINE
Maine has a history of legalizing cannabis for both medical and recreational use. The state first legalized medical marijuana in 1999, allowing patients with qualifying medical conditions to access and use cannabis for medical purposes. The state legislature acted promptly to establish the regulatory framework for this new industry, and medical cannabis sales began in the following year. Since then, the medical cannabis industry in Maine has been steadily growing.
In 2016, voters approved a referendum to legalize recreational marijuana, but the law faced delays in implementation due to political and regulatory challenges. However, in 2019, Governor Janet Mills signed a bill into law to establish a regulatory framework for recreational marijuana sales. Under the law, adults aged 21 and over can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, and can grow up to six flowering plants and 12 immature plants for personal use.
Retail sales of recreational marijuana began in October 2020, with the state generating significant tax revenue from cannabis sales. Maine has also implemented social equity provisions in its cannabis regulations, such as prioritizing licenses for those from communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.