Medical Maine Cannabis Market

Since medical cannabis was legalized in Maine in 1999, patients either cultivated their own cannabis plants or authorized a caregiver to do it for them.

A new medical cannabis law, LD 1539, was passed in July 2018 and took effect in December 2018. The law gives Maine’s 50,000 medical patients broader access to cannabis, making the drug safer and making the laws easier to enforce:

  • Medical patients may get a medical card if a doctor deems cannabis medically beneficial, eliminating state-sanctioned qualifying conditions like cancer, chronic pain or AIDS.
  • Caregivers can be granted the right to open shops and hire more than a single employee.
  • Six new medical dispensary licenses can be issued, giving Maine a total of 14.
  • The sales amount is increased to 2.5 ounces per visit, up from 2.5 ounces per 14 days.
  • Municipalities gain local control to decide whether or not to accept cannabis businesses.
  • 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.
  • Medical testing facilities are allowed to operate, and the lab verification of label information is required on all cannabis products.

According to the Portland Press Herald, tax data shows that Mainers spent $23.5 million on cannabis products in 2018, $111.6 million in 2019 and reached $221.8 million from January through October 2020 through seven dispensaries, according to state sales tax data.

As of September 2023, the state had 1,844 registered caregivers and 55 active dispensaries, according to data from the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy.

Recreational Maine Cannabis Market

On November 8, 2016, Maine voters have approved cannabis for recreational use, allowing Mainers over age 21 to consume 2.5 ounces of cannabis.

On January 30, 2017, Governor LePage issued Executive Order 2017-002 relating to rulemaking as it related to the moratorium.

On May 2, 2018, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of LD 1719, An Act to Implement a Regulatory Structure for Adult Use Marijuana.

On June 13, 2019, new cannabis regulations were approved by a state legislative committee. Maine started accepting recreational cannabis business license applications in December 2019.

The state launched recreational cannabis sales on October 9, 2020 and reported $86.1 million in sales as of December 2021 and $158.9 million in 2022 sales. Eleven months of 2023 brought in $197.6 million in sales, including usable marijuana (59%), concentrates (25%) and infused products (16%).

Maine Cannabis Business: Things to Know Before You Start

Maine has received 217 retail, 140 cultivation, 110 manufacturing and 5 testing applications of which 139 retailers, 88 cultivators, 69 manufacturers and 5 testing labs have completed the application process and are eligible to conduct business operations.


Maine Cannabis Market Infographics



Cannabis Edibles Business Plan Sample, Maine

Maine Cannabis Market

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