Maine residents and visitors looking forward to cannabis social clubs will have to wait much longer than previously expected.
Tag Archives: maine
Lawmakers Consider Lowering Number of Marijuana Plants Mainers Can Grow
Maine’s recreational marijuana law allows adults to grow up to six flowering plants for personal and recreational use — but the legislative committee that’s overhauling the law is trying to cut that allotment by half.
Maine Governor Agrees to Delay Implementation of Controversial Medical Cannabis Rules
Controversial rules regulating Maine’s medical cannabis program will not go into effect as scheduled. On Jan. 31, 2018, Gov. Paul LePage agreed to delay implementation of the medical cannabis rules, which would have gone into effect on Feb. 1, 2018, until May 2018.
Legislative Committees in the Pine Tree State Vote to Delay Maine Marijuana Regulations
Two legislative committees in the Pine Tree State have decided that they need more time to perfect Maine marijuana regulations. On Jan. 25. 2018, the state legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve a moratorium bill that would delay the implementation of new medical marijuana rules issued by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Moratorium on Marijuana Retail Establishments in Maine Expires Thursday
A moratorium on commercial marijuana establishments is set to expire Thursday. In November, Maine lawmakers sustained Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of a bill to regulate and tax the sale of marijuana.
Maine Medical Marijuana Caregivers File Lawsuit Against DHHS
In an effort to halt implementation of new regulations governing Maine medical marijuana caregivers, two medical marijuana shop owners, along with two unnamed patients in their care, have filed a lawsuit against the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the state medical marijuana program.
Maine Federal Prosecutor Says Pot Users Are Not a Priority
Maine’s top federal prosecutor says his office will not make prosecuting marijuana users a priority.
Lawmaker’s Bill Helps Children Prescribed Medical Marijuana
A Republican lawmaker wants to make accommodations for Maine children prescribed medical marijuana.
Canadian Firm Unveils Plans for Large Hemp Farm in Northern Maine
A Canadian company plans to launch a large, industrial hemp operation in northern Maine this year in the latest sign of burgeoning interest in the versatile yet tightly regulated crop.
The Art of Gifting Marijuana
For many pot lovers, this Christmas is much more about reefer than wreaths. Gifting marijuana has long been a part of the culture, and the drug’s newly legal status is a source of Yuletide celebration in four states.
Future Farm Expands Maine Hemp Farm Operation by 100-Acres and Secures Option to Lease an Additional 1,000-Acres
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 21, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Future Farm”) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQB: FFRMF) is pleased to announce it has signed a lease agreement for 100-acres in Maine, thereby doubling its previously announced purchase of 120-acres of a licensed industrial hemp farm.
Maine Medical Marijuana Caregivers Begin to Warm Up to New Rules
On Nov. 18, 2017, the group Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine held an educational forum to discuss a set of new rules for medical marijuana caregivers.
Maine Looking to Crack Down on Medical Marijuana Caregivers
The state of Maine is looking to crack down on its medical marijuana caregivers. On Nov. 8, 2017, the state Department of Health and Human Services issued new rules governing medical marijuana caregivers and their patients.
Back to the Drawing Board: Maine House Fails to Overcome Governor’s Veto
It’s back to the drawing board for Maine legislators. On Nov. 6, 2017, the Maine House of Representatives fell 17 votes short of overriding Gov. Paul LePage’s veto of LD 1650, a bill regulating the state’s recreational market.
Maine Governor Vetoes Bill to Regulate Recreational Marijuana
On Nov. 3, 2017, Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed LD 1650, a bill that would regulate recreational marijuana in the state. In his veto letter, LePage outlined three key concerns and urged legislators to come together and rework the bill.
Rhode Island Considering Best Ways to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
A special legislative commission is looking into the potential effects of legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island as the state’s northern neighbor readies to allow recreational marijuana sales.
These 5 States Had the First Marijuana Laws on the Books
Even though the federal government banned cannabis later, individual states began restricting the sale, consumption, and cultivation of cannabis as early as 1911 by introducing some of the first marijuana laws on the books.
Maine Governor May Veto Marijuana Law Rewrite Approved by Legislature
On Oct. 23, 2017, the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted in a special session to approve LR 2395, a bill that would rewrite the Marijuana Legalization Act and pave the way for recreational marijuana sales. The measure will now go to the desk of Gov. Paul LePage, where it faces an uncertain future.
Maine’s Governor Proposes Pushing Back Legal Pot Sales Until 2019
Maine’s governor is pushing for lawmakers to delay the start of legal recreational marijuana sales instead of rewriting the voter-approved marijuana law.
Legalize Maine Opposes Legislative Rewrite of Marijuana Law
Legalize Maine, the organization behind the Pine Tree State’s successful legalization initiative, has announced its opposition to a measure aimed at rewriting the state’s recreational marijuana laws.
Draft of Maine Marijuana Regulation Bill Unveiled by Committee
While Maine marijuana regulation has faced delays, the Pine Tree State finally has a regulatory draft to show for itself.
Marijuana Lobbyists Harvest Cash From Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers
Bankers, accountants, lawyers, real estate brokers and other professionals hoping to serve Maine’s recreational marijuana industry spent much of the $260,000 that has been paid to State House marijuana lobbyists so far in 2017.
This Is Why Recreational Marijuana Sales in Maine Won’t Happen on Time
It looks like residents of the Pine Tree State will now have to wait several more months for recreational marijuana sales in Maine.
HempAmericana, Inc. Signs Strategic Partnerships
NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — HempAmericana, Inc. (OTC PINK: HMPQ) researcher, developer, and wholesaler of industrial hemp products and imminent market share leader in the CBD oil market announced today it has signed two major strategic partnerships with companies in Maine and New York.
Maine Lawmakers Want to Limit Size of Personal Marijuana Grows
In the state of Maine, a proposal set forth by the legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Marijuana Legalization Implementation aims to limit the amount of personal marijuana that can be grown on an individual’s property.
Maine Medical Marijuana Dispensary Offers Free Marijuana for Community Service
Over the weekend, a Maine medical marijuana dispensary gained national attention after offering a unique reward for community service. Dubbed “Weed for Weeds,” Summit Medical Marijuana, a dispensary in Gardiner, offered free marijuana to legal adults willing to collect trash from around the area.
Maine Legislative Panel Mulls Raising 10 Percent Tax on Marijuana
As the legalization of recreational marijuana sales nears, a Maine legislative panel has spent months pondering the best way to tax pot to bring in state revenue, fund regulatory enforcement and discourage the illicit market.
Maine Lawmakers Approve Bill Requiring Testing Marijuana for Safety
Marijuana safety is a major concern for the Maine lawmakers, who want to make sure all marijuana is tested before hitting retail shelves. On July 20, 2017, the Maine House approved a bill that would require the Department of Agriculture to create testing facilities for marijuana.
Maine Legislature Approves Organ Transplant Bill for Medical Marijuana Patients
On June 12, 2017, the Maine state senate voted to approve LD 764, a bill that would prevent medical marijuana patients from being denied organ transplants.
Maine Senate Approves Measure to Fund Legalization Implementation
On May 25, 2017, the Maine Senate voted unanimously to approve LD 243, a measure that would fund legalization implementation for the state’s recreational marijuana market.
Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Fund the Implementation of the Marijuana Legalization Initiative and Change the Agency That Will Regulate Marijuana for Adult Use
AUGUSTA, Maine, May 25, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — The Maine Legislature has passed a bill to fund the implementation of the successful 2016 marijuana legalization initiative and change the agency that will regulate marijuana for adult use.
The Challenges of Enforcing Maine’s Marijuana Laws
Local law enforcement say there are still many questions to be answered about how to enforce the new legal marijuana law, especially when it comes to driving under the influence.
Maine’s Caregivers Surged as Dispensary Sales Dropped in 2016
On April 21, 2017, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services issued its 2016 annual report on the state’s medical marijuana program, noting that the number of caregivers rose from 2,258 in 2015 to 3,258 in 2016, an increase of 44%.
Lobbyists Lining Up to Influence Marijuana Laws in Maine
More than $140,000 has already been spent in the state as stakeholders seek a voice in how lawmakers regulate the lucrative recreational industry.
MMJ Providers Seek First Chance at Retail Sales in Maine
Medical marijuana dispensaries and caregivers are quietly lobbying state lawmakers to allow them to sell pot to recreational users before retail cannabis stores open in Maine next year.
Testimony in Maine on Bill to Allow MMJ Patients to Receive Organ Transplants
On March 27, 2017, members of Maine’s Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony in favor of LD 764, a bill that would allow medical marijuana patients to receive organ transplants.
Wellness Connection of Maine Now Offers Debit Payment Option
PORTLAND, Maine, March 16, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Wellness Connection of Maine (WCM), the state’s largest medical cannabis operator, now offers members the ability to pay for cannabis without using cash. A new mobile app, CanPay, is the first of its kind technology for the cannabis industry.
Alaska Marijuana Control Board Tables Proposed Social-Use Rule
On Feb 2., 2017, the Alaska Marijuana Control Board voted 3-2 to table a proposed rule that would permit local governments to allow the on-site use of recreational marijuana at licensed dispensaries.
New Hampshire Decriminalization Bill Receives Broad Support
New Hampshire’s House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that would decriminalize the possession of marijuana and the bill is garnering strong bipartisan support.
Marijuana Officially Becomes Legal for Adults in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine, Jan. 30, 2016 /Weed Wire/ — A voter-approved initiative to end marijuana prohibition in Maine officially took effect Monday, making it legal for adults 21 and older to possess and grow limited amounts of marijuana.
Marijuana Will Be Legal in Maine Monday
Maine voters in November approved legalizing marijuana; the law goes into effect January 30.
Investment Experts Predict Explosive Year for Cannabis
Although the legal cannabis industry is still in its infancy, it’s already delivering tremendous results. According to tech financial guru Michael A. Robinson, the cannabis industry has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the stock market.
NORML Calls Marijuana Implementation Delays an “Affront to Democracy”
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2017 /Weed Wire/ — Legislators in a number of states are pushing forward measures to delay the enactment of voter-initiated marijuana laws. NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri strongly criticized the delays, calling them “an affront to the democratic process.”
In Maine, Marijuana Legalization Raises Demand For Industrial Real Estate
Since Maine voters legalized marijuana, real estate brokers in the state are seeing an increased demand for industrial space, according to a Jan. 16, 2017, article in the Portland Press Herald. Maine’s industrial real estate market had been improving in recent years, and the need for marijuana business space has given the sector a new boost.
Maine Legislators Propose Extension of Delay in Marijuana Retail Sales
Adult-use marijuana legalization in Maine is set for Jan. 30, 2017, but the law included a nine-month delay in retail sales to allow lawmakers to set rules. Now Senate President Mike Thibodeau, a Republican from Winterport, Maine, and Rep. Louis Luchini, a Democrat from Ellsworth, Maine, have proposed extending the delay until Feb. 1, 2018.
Maine Governor Certifies Pot Vote But Urges Moratorium on Sales
Maine Gov. Paul LaPage on Dec. 31, 2016, signed a proclamation certifying the state’s narrow vote to approve adult-use of marijuana, according to a Jan. 3, 2017, article in the Portland Press Herald. LaPage confirmed the signature during a Jan. 3, 2017, radio show program during which he also urged Maine legislators to set a moratorium on marijuana sales.
What Legalization Means for Maine’s Medical Marijuana Industry
Last week, Governor LePage suggested doing away with Maine’s medical marijuana program, but medical marijuana patients and recreational marijuana users have vastly different needs.
Marijuana Opponents in Maine Accept Defeat and Drop Recount
On Dec. 17, 2016, an anti-legalization group in Maine withdrew its recount request with the Secretary of State’s Bureau of Elections, ending the recount of Question 1, an initiative legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
Maine Governor Wants to Get Rid of State’s Medical Marijuana Program
Now that adult-use marijuana is legal in Maine, Gov. Paul LePage wants to get rid of the state’s medical marijuana program. Maine voters passed Question 1, the marijuana legalization referendum, on Nov. 8, 2016, leading LePage to say “we’ve got to get rid of medical marijuana” on a recent interview with a radio show.
Maine Marijuana Opponents Fail to Produce Enough Volunteers for Recount
Opponents of legalization in Maine have come under fire after failing to produce enough volunteers for the first two and a half days of a statewide ballot recount for Question 1, a marijuana legalization initiative that was narrowly approved by voters.