It's OK To Sell Marijuana in Maine

Starting in February 2018 entrepreneurs in Main can start new businesses in the marijuana industry.

On January 27, 2017 the legislature approved a moratorium on implementing parts of the law regarding retail sales and taxation until at least February 2018, giving time to resolve issues and promulgate rules.

The following provisions govern the qualifications for licensure as a retail mari- juana establishment or retail marijuana social club.

a. A person is not qualified to conduct licensed activities until the required annual fee has been paid.

b. An applicant who is a natural person must be at least 21 years of age. If an applicant is a corporation, all members of the board must comply with this paragraph.

c. A person who has been convicted of a disqualifying drug offense may not be a licensee. For purposes of this paragraph, "disqualifying drug offense" means a conviction for a violation of a state or federal controlled substance law that is a crime punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or more. "Disqualifying drug offense" does not include an offense for which the sentence, including any term of probation, incarceration or super- vised release, was completed 10 or more years prior to application for licensure or an offense that consisted of conduct that is permitted under this chapter.

d. A person who has had a license for a retail marijuana establishment or retail marijuana social club revoked may not be a licensee.

e. A sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, prosecuting officer or an officer or employee of the state licensing authority or a municipality is ineligible to become a licensee.

f. The state licensing authority shall investigate all applicants for compliance with this chapter prior to issuing a license. 

Priority for licensure will be given to registered caregivers who have been continuously registered with the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act or who have experience serving as a principal officer or board member of a nonprofit medical dispensary registered with the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act.

If an applicant, either a business entity or an individual, owns, has a financial interest in or controls the management of more than one dispensary in this State, that applicant may receive preference for only one license in each license class.

There are strict requirement for labeling products that must be met.

Also, dispensers can only sell to individuals who have legitimate identification cards as authorized by the state.

The product must meet health and safety rules and be tested before being authorized for sale.  Products that do not meet the strict requirement. Must be destroyed.

Sources:
Maine Marijuana Law
Recreational Marijuana in Maine Webpage

By Bill Williams