The 132nd legislative session is officially kicking off, and the Maine cannabis scene is about to get heated. A total of 29 cannabis-related bills were dropped in the Maine State House this week, and while some are definitely raising some red flags, there are a few that could push the industry forward in a positive way.
As always, Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program is gearing up for yet another round of battles to protect small farms from unnecessary red tape and ensure that the 110,000+ medical cannabis patients in the state continue to have access to affordable medicine. It’s a tough fight, especially when the very same policies threatening to crush the little guys are being pushed by the corporate giants backing the political establishment.
Case in point: Governor Janet Mills recently referred to Maine’s medical cannabis program as the “wild, wild west.” Yet, nearly 20% of her campaign donations come from MSOs (multi-state operators) who are lobbying hard for heavy regulations that could devastate Maine’s smaller cannabis businesses. Throw in the fact that a Deputy illegally withheld the 2023 Annual Report for almost a year, and it’s clear that transparency isn’t exactly a top priority. It’s tough to swallow the narrative that cannabis needs to be overregulated “for our safety,” especially when it seems like a lot of these policies are more about serving corporate interests than protecting patients or small businesses.
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are a few bills standing out as ones to watch—bills that could actually provide meaningful support for patients, farmers, and small businesses. Here’s a quick rundown of the ones I’m keeping an eye on:
Bills to Watch:
- LR 854 – An Act to Protect Patients in the Medical Use Cannabis Program and Provide Public Health Guardrails in the Adult Use and Medical Use Cannabis Programs.
- LR 2304 – An Act to Reduce Illicit Cannabis Operations by Requiring Permits for High Voltage Electrical Usage.
- LR 1606 – An Act to Strengthen Cannabis Testing in Maine.
- LR 1546 – An Act to Counter Unlawful Cannabis Cultivation.
- LR 1019 – An Act to Prevent Illegal Cannabis Growing Operations in the State.
- LR 989 – An Act to Amend the Medical Use of Cannabis Act.
Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program is one of the few that doesn’t mandate a state-run track-and-trace system like Metrc, or require mandatory testing. Now, I’m not against testing or tracking, but the issue arises when these mandates are being pushed by lawmakers who probably haven’t even touched cannabis themselves. We’ve seen time and time again how decisions made with faulty data or a lack of understanding can lead to policies that do more harm than good. That’s why it’s crucial that we stay engaged—whether that means calling up your reps, shooting off an email, or showing up to public hearings.
A Glimmer of Hope
It’s not all bad news though. Some of the bills introduced this session give me hope for a more sustainable, accessible, and patient-centered cannabis industry. Here are a few that caught my eye:
- LR 1338 – An Act to Support Sun-grown Cultivation and Innovative Energy-Efficient Farming Practices in the Cannabis Industry.
- LR 1390 – An Act to Address Concerns Regarding Radiation Machines and Similar Equipment Used in the Cannabis Industry.
- LR 1664 – An Act to Address the Radiation and Ozonation of Cannabis.
- LR 2174 – An Act to Reduce Administrative Burdens and Expand Access in the Maine Medical Use Program.
- LR 1336 – An Act to Increase Access to Medical Cannabis for Seniors and Veterans.
These are the kinds of bills that could actually make a difference for Maine’s cannabis community. From promoting sustainable farming to expanding access for seniors and veterans—these are the policies we need more of.
Stay Informed, Stay Active
There’s a lot at stake this session, and the only way to make sure our voices are heard is to stay informed and stay active. Keep an eye on these bills, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your legislators to express your support (or concerns). Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just an advocate for the cause, we all have a role to play in shaping the future of cannabis here in Maine.
Thanks for staying engaged, and for keeping the fight alive for a fair, accessible, and sustainable cannabis industry in the state.
Until next time—stay loud, stay informed, and let’s make sure our voices are heard! For all the details of Maine cannabis bills, check out www.gettinghighwithcats.com.
More work from Derek here at Beard Bros Pharms:
A Look Inside Maine’s Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Markets.
When Was Maine’s First Cannabis Recall?
RECAP: Maine Cannabis Summit Recap Hosted by State Rep. David Boyer
Keeping Secrets and Changing Laws: Maine OCP’s Masterclass in Political Sleight of Hand
Derek Shirley was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 19, he received a felony for 4 ounces of cannabis. After, he became a “cannabis nomad” living in Ohio, Arizona, and Maine, which he now calls home, and lives with his wife Sequoia and son Haze.
Being a cannabis nomad had its advantages, like relying on all markets for his medical cannabis needs which gives him a unique perspective of the cannabis markets. Currently, he is an influential pro-cannabis activist in the state of Maine who helps local people and small businesses navigate their local and state governments without picking a political party specializing in protecting and preserving the small medical cannabis farmers of Maine. For fun, Derek enjoys screen printing and making cannabis memes under the pseudonym @gettinghighwithcats on IG.
