Here we will go over what you need to know about Maine’s marijuana usage regulations. 

Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999 and recreational marijuana in 2006. Since Maine legalized the consumption of cannabis far before other states, their laws are quite different than theirs and are a bit more lenient. For example, individuals have higher possession and cultivation limits compared to their neighboring legal states. That said, the enforcement of these laws is taken seriously, and individuals caught breaking the law may face fines or even jail time.

Keep reading for information all cannabis consumers and residents in Maine need to know.

Who Can Legally Purchase and Consume Marijuana?

In Maine, anyone over the age of 21 is permitted to purchase marijuana. Individuals under 21 may only purchase and consume cannabis products if they have a medical marijuana card.

Many dispensaries have separate displays for recreational and medical marijuana products. Recreational consumers may want to purchase more potent cannabis products reserved for medical patients. The only way to possess this marijuana legally is by obtaining a medical marijuana card (you can apply for your card at Veriheal.com).

Possession Limits

In many states, possession limits are different for medical and recreational marijuana consumers; however, Maine has set the same limitations for all individuals.

Maine residents over the age of 21 are allowed to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana at one time. Additionally, adults may possess up to 5 grams of concentrates at once.

An individual may not sell marijuana but can give it away for free without the exchange of money, services, or goods (this law applies to marijuana patients as well). 

Cultivation

Recreational and medical consumers are permitted to cultivate their own marijuana. Maine’s cultivation laws are generous compared to other states. 

An individual may grow up to twelve immature, six mature plants, and unlimited seedlings. 

Once your plants are harvested, you may only keep the harvested flower and dispose of any plant parts not being used. You are however allowed to keep the plant if you plan to recultivate it.

Plants must be grown at your primary residence, and If growing outside, they should be out of public view. Indoor and outdoor plants must be tagged with your name and driver’s license or ID number.

It is illegal to grow at more than one residence, grow for your friends, rent space for your plants, sell your harvest, and store your harvest in a place other than your home. 

Where Can You Consume?

Although legal, marijuana is considered a controlled substance which means that it follows consumption guidelines similar to prescription drugs. 

Individuals can only consume marijuana in their own homes or the private residence of a friend or family member. Public consumption is prohibited. Examples of public places are; the park, city streets, parking lots, and businesses.

Consuming in the car is also illegal even if parked. Using marijuana in the car is considered driving under the influence, and using it in public is public intoxication. Caught consuming outside of your home will result in fines and possible jail time.

Storage

Marijuana purchased from a dispensary should be kept in its original packaging with your name on the label. This ensures it can be identified easily by yourself and law enforcement.

Additionally, dispensary products and harvested flower must be kept out of reach of minors. 

You may drive with marijuana in your car, but it must be located in a place out of reach from the driver. Individuals traveling with marijuana generally choose to place it in the trunk of their car to avoid fines if pulled over by law enforcement.

Conclusion

Medical and recreational marijuana usage is legal in Maine. Anyone over the age of 21 is permitted to purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.

Maine residents are also allowed to cultivate up to 12 immature and three mature cannabis plants with no limit on seedlings.

Marijuana plants and products must be stored out of reach of minors and public view, clearly labeled with your name.

Consuming marijuana in public is prohibited, including in the car. Consuming marijuana products is only permitted in a private home residence.