Maine voters legalized use of medical cannabis in 1999 and have significantly expanded the program since, most recently by creating a regulated system of medical cannabis dispensaries and caregivers permitted to grow pot for clients. 8 November 2016 Maine voters have approved cannabis for recreational use.
Medical Maine Cannabis Business
Since medical cannabis sales were approved in Maine, the state’s dispensaries have been extremely limited. Only eight medical dispensaries were permitted one in each of the state’s predefined geographic areas and a new law increased this number to fourteen. The dispensaries are required to obtain permits and licenses and cultivate their own cannabis, with production caps set by the state. Much of Maine’s medical cannabis sales have been carried out by a large number of caregivers, many of whom profit by growing cannabis for patients.
The State of Maine has enacted legislation allowing to legally grow cannabis for a Maine qualified patients. As a Maine licensed caregiver you are allowed by law to produce and transport up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis at reasonable market prices to the patient you care for every visit.
According to a new law, medical cannabis providers may now sell up to 30% of their total amount grown to other legal providers, increasing access and selection for medical cardholders.
Recreational Maine Cannabis Business
- Cultivation facility licenses
Cultivation facility licenses are broken into three tiers, based on the size of the facilities. To obtain a license, cultivators must submit applications along with operating and cultivation plans.
Facilities with Tier 1 licenses will be allowed to cultivate no more than 30 mature marijuana plants and an unlimited number of immature plants and seedlings, or less than 500 square feet of plant canopy; Tier 2 cultivation facility licenses allow the growth of up to 3,000 square feet of plant canopy; Tier 3 cultivation facility licenses allow the growth of up to 10,000 square feet of plant canopy; and Tier 4 cultivation facility license, allowing the growth of up to 30,000 square feet of plant canopy.
Not more than once every 2 years, an applicant seeking renewal of a Tier 4 cultivation facility license may apply to increase the allowed maximum amount of plant canopy by 10,000 square feet.
- Testing facility licenses
- Products manufacturing facility licenses
- Cannabis store licenses
How much is a cannabis license in Maine?
Medical | Recreational | |
Application | $15,000 | Retail store: $250 Cultivator: $100/250/500/500 Manufacturer: $250 Testing lab: $250 |
Licenses | $12,000 Change of location – $4,000 | Retail store: $2,500 Cultivator: $250/500-$1,500/3000-$5,000/10,000-$15,000/30,000 Manufacturer: $2,500 Testing lab: $1,000 |
Taxes | 5.5% state sales tax on all cannabis transactions at dispensaries and 8% for edibles | 10% excise tax on retail sales |
Maine Cannabis Business FAQs
How big is cannabis industry Maine?
With recreational cannabis sales began in 2020, Maine cannabis market is projected to exceed $200 million in sales in 2023.
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