• Home
  • MJNews @PRNewswire
  • CBDNews @BusinessWire
  • MJChannelOne
  • MJBA.net
  • MJHeadlineNews
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise
  • MJBA PR

MJNews Network

"The Voice of Legal Cannabis Since 2013"

  • Home
  • Business
  • MJNews By PRNewswire
  • CBDNews by BusinessWire
  • Legal
  • Events
  • BlPOC in Cannabis
You are here: Home / Archives for Maine

Maine Office of Marijuana Policy to Establish Medical Marijuana Workgroup

August 23, 2021 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Effort seeks to engage stakeholders and identify potential improvements to state’s medical cannabis program.

MAINE:  The Office of Marijuana Policy announced it is seeking qualified applicants to fill seats on its newly-created workgroup meant to advise on regulatory issues, best practices in patient access and education, contribute to ongoing improvements in Maine’s medical cannabis program, and fulfill the stakeholder engagement charges in Public Laws 2021, ch. 387 and Resolves 2021, ch. 95. 

The new Medical Marijuana Workgroup is to be composed of at least 16 external members who represent Maine’s medical marijuana industry, cannabis patients, public health system, and towns and cities. Representatives from OMP will chair the workgroup and join members in discussions which will focus on changes or updates which may be necessary to the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

“We look forward to the opportunity presented by convening a group of well-qualified individuals in pursuit of a shared goal to both preserve patient access and support the regulated marketplace,” said Erik Gundersen, director of Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy. “Our vision as a cannabis regulator has always been to develop a good faith partnership with our stakeholders by establishing rules and policies that provide interested consumers with access to a regulated industry.”

The workgroup will be convened virtually at least four times over the coming months. Outcomes resulting from the meetings are expected to include steps that may be taken through legislation and rule-making or developing recommendations for streamlining the office’s licensing and compliance processes to ensure the medical-use program is fulfilling the hallmarks of a regulated industry.

Workgroup members will serve as volunteers and must satisfy the requirements of the specific seats they seek to hold. The Office is seeking individuals who will fill the following positions: At least five registered caregivers, two registered dispensary representatives, one marijuana testing facility representative, one products manufacturing facility representative, three qualifying patients who are not also registered caregivers, two individuals representing municipalities in Maine, and two relevant health care professionals. The Office reserves the right to include additional representatives at its sole discretion.

Additional information and applications to the workgroup are available on the OMP website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/workgroup. OMP is scheduled to accept applications from now until the end of the day on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Virtual meetings of the Medical Marijuana Workgroup will be held on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 2pm-4pm EDT
  • Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 2pm-3:30pm EDT
  • Tuesday, November 2, 2021 from 2pm-3pm EDT
  • Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 2pm-3pm EST

This effort should not be confused with the State of Maine’s Marijuana Advisory Commission, a public entity—of which the Department of Administrative and Financial Services is a member—that is tasked with advising the legislature on matters related to the medical and adult-use programs. Unlike that effort, establishment of this workgroup is temporary, and members will advise OMP directly.

The Office, a division of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of legalized marijuana in Maine, including Maine’s medical and adult-use programs.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal Tagged With: #mmot, cannabis industry news, Erik Gundersen, Maine, Maine Office of Marijuana Policy., ME, medical marijunana, MJlegal news, mjnews, MJNews Network, mmj, the business of cannabis, the business of marijuana

Maine Regulators Update Medical Marijuana Rules

January 22, 2021 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

MAINE:  The Office of Marijuana Policy today released preliminary draft rules meant to bring the state’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program regulations into congruence with state law. Administrative rulemaking is a standard process within government and, in this case, necessitated due to significant changes that have been made to state law since rules were last revised in February 2018, pre-dating the creation of OMP.

In addition to being thematically reorganized to better reflect the structure of Maine’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program, one of the most notable changes included in the draft is the introduction of a process by which medical marijuana establishments are regulated at the local level prior to state review, as is currently mandated by law. Additionally, the draft rules include provisions for inventory tracking to enhance accountability and transparency and delineate packaging and labeling requirements that prioritize patient protections.

“Along with being more user-friendly, these draft rules are meant to address changes to state law over the last two years. This draft framework will further ensure our regulatory priorities of safety, accountability, and transparency,” said OMP Director Erik Gundersen. “As relationships with local communities, industry, and other stakeholders are at the heart of all we do, we look forward to connecting with the public throughout the rule-making process.”

Current plans call for OMP to engage in both an informal and formal public comment period as it considers and develops revisions to the revamped medical rule. This approach is modeled after OMP’s development of the adult use program’s rules, an experience which allowed the Office to receive critical feedback and, ultimately, propose a better rule when beginning the formal rulemaking process defined by the Maine Administrative Procedures Act.

A copy of the preliminary draft rules is currently available for review on the OMP website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/medical-use/rules-statutes/rulemaking/draft-rules. Parties interested in providing feedback in response to the preliminary draft rules may do so through the following page: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/omp/medical-use/rules-statutes/rulemaking/feedback.

In line with the state’s standard rule-making process, the preliminary draft will transition into a proposed rule over the coming weeks, and OMP will begin the public hearing and public comment phase required by statute. A final draft of the proposed rule will be provided at least 20 days prior to the date of a scheduled public hearing. Following the public hearing, at least 10 days of written public comment will be allowed.

Once the public comment period concludes, OMP will review and consider all feedback received, make any appropriate revisions to the proposed rule, and complete final adoption.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Medical Marijuana Tagged With: Maine, marijuana, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, MJ Legal News, mjnews, MJNews Network, mmj, OMP, The Office of Marijuana Policy

Maine Cannabis Retailers Sell $1.4 Million In First Month Of Legal Sales

November 24, 2020 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

State regulators enhance online transparency dashboard with sales metrics.

MAINE:  Preliminary sales data from regulators at the state’s Office of Marijuana Policy indicate Maine’s marijuana retailers grossed approximately $1.4 million and made 21,194 transactions during the first month of retail sales. The data, which was extracted from the state’s inventory tracking system, Metrc, shows that smokable marijuana made up 76 percent of sales, while concentrates and infused products accounted for 14 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Maine’s adult use market launched on October 9 and saw sales from six active licensees that month. An additional three adult use retailers opened their doors during the first week of November. The reporting period covers sales made from Maine’s retail sales launch date of October 9 through the end of the day on November 8, a total of 31 days.

“While it is easy to focus solely on the numbers, it is important to note that the Office of Marijuana Policy’s primary objective is maintaining the high standard of public health and safety we have set for the adult use program,” said OMP Director Erik Gundersen.“We appreciate the commitment our licensees have demonstrated to enact COVID protocols to ensure a safe launch and their continued commitment to these efforts in light of the recent spike in COVID cases in Maine.”

Adult use monthly sales totals and product types have been added to OMP’s existing transparency dashboard, available here. The initial data set includes the first month of retail sales. Beginning in December, sales information will be updated monthly with the preceding month’s totals.

Sales data are preliminary in nature, subject to further revision and have not been audited. The Office is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of legalized marijuana, including Maine’s existing Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: cannabis news, first month legal sales Maine, Maine, Maine Cannabis Retail, ME, MJNew Network, mjnews, mjnewsnetwork.com, Office of Marijuana Policy, the business of cannabis, the business of marijuana

USDA Approves Hemp Production Plans For Maine, Missouri, The Cow Creek Band Of Umpqua Tribe Of Indians

September 3, 2020 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the approval of hemp production plans under the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program for Maine, Missouri and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, bringing the total number of approved plans to 58.

USDA continues to receive and review hemp production plans from states and Indian tribes. To review approved plans or check the status of a plan, visit the Status of State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans webpage.

State and tribal plans previously approved include:

States Tribes
Delaware Blackfeet Nation
Florida Cayuga Nation
Georgia Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
Iowa Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
Kansas Chippewa Cree Tribe
Louisiana Colorado River Indian Tribes
Maryland Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Massachusetts Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
Minnesota Fort Belknap Indian Community
Montana Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
Nebraska Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
New Jersey La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indian Tribes
Ohio Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Pennsylvania Lower Sioux Indian Community
South Carolina Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Tennessee Oglala Sioux Tribe
Texas Otoe-Missouria Tribe
Washington Pala Band of Mission Indians
West Virginia Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Wyoming Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Puerto Rico Pueblo of Picuris Tribe
U.S. Virgin Islands Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Rosebud Sioux Tribe
Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
Santa Rosa Cahuilla Indian Tribe
Santee Sioux Nation
Seneca Nation of Indians
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo
Yurok Tribe

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) directed USDA to develop a regulatory oversight program for hemp and include provisions for USDA to approve hemp production plans submitted by states and Indian tribes. Accordingly, on Oct. 31, 2019, USDA issued an interim final rule establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program and the provisions for USDA to approve submitted plans. State and tribal plans provide details on practices and procedures that enable hemp producers in their jurisdictions to operate according to their individual plans and in compliance with federal laws.

For additional information about the program, visit the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program webpage.

Filed Under: Hemp, Homepage, Legalization Tagged With: agriculture, cannabis news, Hemp, legalization, Maine, Missouri, mjnews, mjnewsnetwork.com, normalization, the business of cannabis, the business of hemp, the business of marijuana, The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, USDA

Office of Marijuana Policy Unveils New Details On Planned Launch Of Adult Use Marijuana In Maine

August 17, 2020 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Retail sales to the public permitted to begin on or after October 9, 2020.

MAINE: The Office of Marijuana Policy, a part of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, unveiled plans for the issuance of Maine’s first active licenses for adult use marijuana establishments. The Office intends to issue the first active licenses to recreational cannabis businesses on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Retail sales of adult use marijuana to consumers 21 years of age or older will be permitted starting on Friday, October 9, 2020.

The issuance of active licenses will continue the Office of Marijuana Policy’s structured rollout of Maine’s nascent adult use industry, which had been indefinitely postponed in April in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The public’s health and safety are at the forefront of every decision we make at the Office of Marijuana Policy,” said OMP Director Erik Gundersen. “While we were poised to launch this new industry earlier this year, we were unwilling to sacrifice the high standards we have set for this program by launching during an emerging public health pandemic and in the absence of a testing facility. With the support of the public health community, municipalities across the state, and the industry we regulate, we have used the last few months to ensure this new industry is introduced to Maine consumers in a manner that is as responsible as possible.”

Active licensure is the culmination of a three-step application process which also includes conditional licensure and local authorization, respectively. An active license is required for adult use establishments to come into possession, process and sell adult use marijuana, including initiating plant transfers from Maine’s existing medical marijuana program.

It is expected adult use licensees will utilize the time between active licensure and Maine’s retail sales launch date to harvest and process marijuana, ensure those products satisfy the mandatory testing requirements, and move product through the supply chain to stock retail store shelves. Additionally, businesses which will conduct retail sales will prepare to implement and support social distancing and other public health guidance at a time when public interest may attract a significant consumer presence to their retail locations.

“Today’s announcement is a major milestone in honoring the will of Maine voters and a significant step toward launching a new industry in the state,” added Gundersen. “Many of the business owners we have spoken with during the application process are ready and eager to commence operations.”

The application process required by the adult use law requires state regulators to review application materials for form and substance, with an eye toward details such as ensuring that all applicants have completed their required state and federal criminal history record checks; that the establishment’s operation, facility, and security plans satisfy the requirements of both the Marijuana Legalization Act and the adult use program rule; and that the designated host municipality has provided the applicant with authorization to conduct business in their community.

OMP expects to issue licenses in each of the four categories of adult use establishments: cultivation, products manufacturing, retail sale, and testing. Information on the specific number of licenses issued and the identities of active licensees will be made available on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

The Mills Administration created OMP within DAFS in February 2019. The Office is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of legalized marijuana, including Maine’s existing Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Recreational Tagged With: adult use, cannabis news, changing attitudes 2020, legalization, Maine, ME, MJ Legal News, mjlegal, mjnews, mjnewsnetwork.com, politics of pot, The Office of Marijuana Policy

Maine: 17 New Adult Use Conditional Licenses Issued

July 27, 2020 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

MAINE: How big is Maine’s new adult-use cannabis industry? According to the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy, there are 17 new adult use conditional licenses. The breakdown includes seven marijuana stores, five cultivation facilities, four products manufacturing facilities, and one testing facility.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal, Medical Marijuana Tagged With: #mmot, adult-use recreational, cannabis, cannabis news, legal cannabis, Maine, marijuana, ME, medical marijuana, MJ News, mjnews, MJNews Network

Maine: Voter-Initiated Retail Cannabis Sales Face Further Delays

February 4, 2019 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

MAINE: Lawmakers have once again pushed back plans to establish licensing rules and regulations to govern the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana to adults.

Voters initially approved the legalization of cannabis sales in November 2016, but lawmakers – led by former Republican Gov. Paul LePage – have repeatedly taken steps to delay the law’s implementation.

On Friday, state officials rescinded a contract with the consulting group that had been hired to assist in drafting regulations to implement the law. Those regulations were anticipated to be finalized by April. Officials declined to speculate on a new timeline, according to the Associated Press.

Newly elected Gov. Janet Mills (D) is on record stating that lawmakers “must follow the will of the people [and] implement the [voter-initiated marijuana] law.”


For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal Tagged With: changing attitudes, Maine, ME, mjlegal, mjnews, the business of cannabis, voter initiatives

Maine Governor Vetoes Retail Legalization Implementation

November 5, 2017 by MJ News Network 1 Comment

MAINE: Republican Gov. Paul LePage last week vetoed legislation that sought to regulate the production and sales of cannabis to adults. Members of the House and Senate approved the legislation late last month during a one-day special session, but did so without a veto-proof majority. (Members of the Senate voted 22-9 in favor of the bill. Members of the House voted 81-50 in favor of the bill.)

LePage said, “Until I clearly understand how the federal government intends to treat states that seek to legalize marijuana, I cannot in good conscience support any scheme in state law to implement expansion of legal marijuana in Maine.”

The Governor’s veto reverses a campaign pledge where he indicated that he would support the enactment of adult use regulation if it was approved by a voter referendum.

A majority of Maine voters decided last November in favor of a statewide initiative legalizing the adult use, retail production, and licensed sale of marijuana. Governor LePage lobbied against the measure and in January lawmakers passed emergency legislation delaying the enactment of many of its provisions until February 2018. Since that time, the Governor has refused to work with lawmakers with regard to how to regulate marijuana sales and other provisions of the law. The Governor did endorse legislation that sought to delay any further implementation of the law until 2019, but lawmakers defeated that measure.

The Governor’s veto, if not overridden by lawmakers, will further delay the ability of legislators to regulate the commercial cannabis market in a manner that comports with the voters’ mandate.

 

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal Tagged With: legalization, Maine, NORML, Paul LePage, politicians on pot, prohibition, the politics of pot, veto

Maine: Governor Threatens To Veto Legislation Regulating Voter-Approved Cannabis Sales

October 27, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

UPDATE:  Maine Governor Vetoes Retail Legalization Implementation

MAINE: Republican Gov. Paul LePage has threatened to veto legislation regulating the production and sales of cannabis to adults. Members of the House and Senate approved the legislation this week during a one-day special session, but did so without a veto-proof majority.

A majority of Maine voters decided last November in favor of a statewide initiative legalizing the adult use, retail production, and licensed sale of marijuana. Governor LePage lobbied against the measure and in January lawmakers passed emergency legislation delaying the enactment of many of its provisions until February 2018. Since that time, the Governor has refused to work with lawmakers with regard to how to regulate marijuana sales and other provisions of the law. The Governor did endorse legislation that sought to delay any further implementation of the law until 2019, but lawmakers defeated that measure.

Governor LePage has until November 3 to either sign the legislation, veto it, or let it become law absent his signature.

Presently, adults may legally possess, consume, and cultivate personal use quantities of cannabis, but no regulations exist governing its retail production or sale.


For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.

Filed Under: Homepage, Legal Tagged With: changing attitudes, end failed prohibition, end failed war on drugs, Gov. Paul LePage, legalization, Maine, ME, NORML, politicians on pot, politics of pot

Marijuana ‘Gifts’ Legal As Maine Works Out Licensing Rules

April 12, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

By The Associated Press 

MAINE:  A Biddeford business owner hoping to start selling pot next year is giving his products away for free for now.

The Portland Press Herald reports that Jack Sargent of the Biddeford-based Cannabis Shack is accepting donations for shipping and handling while waiting for the state to issue retail licenses.  It’s legal to accept free gifts of pot and some say the limbo before the opening of retail stores is pushing otherwise law-abiding citizens into an underground market.

Some states have cracked down on such practices. The voter-approved law legalizing marijuana took effect in January.  Adults can legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow their own plants.  But no one can legally sell pot as Maine works through the extensive process of regulating the sale of marijuana.

Filed Under: Legal, Recreational Tagged With: gifting, legalization, Maine, marijuana gifts, ME, Portland, Portland Press Herald

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 6
  • Next Page »

Connect with Us!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo
  • YouTube

Top Stories

Jushi Holdings Awarded Provisional Medical Marijuana Dispensary License in Ohio

Jushi’s Permitted Licensed Retail Footprint Increases to 40 Dispensaries Nationwide* FLORIDA: Jushi Holdings, Inc.,  a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator, announced that Campbell Hill Ventures, LLC, the Company’s 100% owned subsidiary, has been awarded a provisional medical marijuana dispensary license by the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. The License is designated for 693 Old State Read the full article…

Congressman Blumenauer Urges Department of Transportation to Reform Driver Impairment Testing

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:  Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, released a letter urging the Department of Transportation to reform and modernize cannabis testing requirements for commercial truck drivers. In the past two years, tens of thousands of commercial drivers have been forced out of the profession not because they are impaired on Read the full article…

State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Issues Provisional Dispensary Licenses for RFA II 

OHIO: On May 16, 2022, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy issued 70 provisional dispensary licenses as part of the RFA II process. A list of the provisional dispensary licenses awarded can be accessed using the following links: List of Provisional Dispensary Licenses (PDF): www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/PDLII List of Provisional Dispensary Licenses (Excel): www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/PDLIIx The Board Read the full article…

Why This Cannapro Keeps the Conversation Open Around Cannabis

  By Erica Tarnowski I was a child of the 80’s, which meant participating in – and graduating from – the D.A.R.E. program in middle school. For those of you unfamiliar with D.A.R.E., it was a school-based drug use prevention program created to teach kids to “Just Say No” to drugs. One of the tenets Read the full article…

WSLCB Contracts with Security Specialists to Provide Voluntary Retail Store Security Assessments

WASHINGTON: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) has announced that it has contracted with security management firm Setracon, Inc. to provide voluntary, free of charge, on-site security assessments of individual cannabis retailers. Security Assessments Goal The initial focus of the physical security and crime prevention assessments will be for the approximately 180 retail stores in Read the full article…

Congressman Blumenauer Urges Department of Transportation to Reform Driver Impairment Testing

State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Issues Provisional Dispensary Licenses for RFA II 

Why This Cannapro Keeps the Conversation Open Around Cannabis

Tags

CA California Canada cannabis cannabis news CBD changing attitudes CO Colorado DC decriminalization dispensary District of Columbia end failed war on drugs end of failed war on drugs failed war on drugs Hemp I-502 legal cannabis legalization legal marijuana legal pot shop marijuana marijuana business medical cannabis medical marijuana mjlegal mjnews MJNews Network mjnewsnetwork.com mmj New York NORML NY OH Ohio OR Oregon politicians on pot recreational marijuana the business of cannabis the business of marijuana WA Washington WSLCB

Search By State:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

© Copyright 2014 MJBA Publishing · MJ News Network · All Rights Reserved ·