Maine Medical Marijuana

Updated on January 30, 2019.  Medical content reviewed by Dr. Richard Koffler, MD, Board Certified Physiatrist

Maine Medical Marijuana Program: Contact Details

Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP)

Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services 
Department of Health and Human Services
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207-287-4325
Email: dhhs@maine.gov
Website: Maine Medical Marijuana Program

Note from State, on sources for medical marijuana
Visit the MMMP website for a list of available dispensaries, “The patient may either cultivate or designate a caregiver or dispensary to cultivate marijuana.” Program Bulletin, [Accessed September 28, 2011]

The Maine Patient Registry fee is $0 for patients. For caregivers, the fee is $300 per patient, with a limit of five patients — however, if the caregiver is not growing, the fee is waived.
* Please note: The Maine Marijuana Registry is voluntary —

“In addition to either a registry ID card or a physician certification form, all patients, including both non-registered and voluntarily registered patients, must also present their Maine driver license or other Maine-issued photo identification card to law enforcement, upon request.” Program Bulletin, [Accessed September 28, 2011]

* Out of State’s registry cards are accepted in Maine —

“Law enforcement will accept appropriate authorization from a participating state, but that patient cannot purchase marijuana in Maine without registering here. That requires a Maine physician and a Maine driver license or other picture ID issued by the state of Maine. The letter from a physician in another state is only good for 30 days.” Maine’s Division of Licensing and Regulatory Stories — Email received August 19, 2010.

Recent Legislation Changes

As legislation changes in Maine, check back to this section for information about how those legislative changes will affect the medical marijuana program in Maine.

Maine Medical Marijuana Program: Information

On November 02, 1999, 61% of Maine voters approved Ballot Question 2, which subsequently became effective on December 22, 1999.

Ballot Question 2 effectively removed all state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana, by patients who have either an oral or written “medical opinion” stating that he or she “may benefit from the medical use of marijuana”, from their medical physician.

On April 02, 2002, Senate Bill 611 amended the law to increase the amount of usable marijuana a patient may possess, from one and one-quarter to two and one-half (2.5) ounces.

On November 03, 2009, 59% of voters approved Question 5, amending the law to change the approved qualifying medical conditions to include:

• Cancer
• HIV / AIDS
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Crohn’s Disease
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Nail-Patella Syndrome
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
• Severe Nausea
• Chronic Intractable Pain
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms including Multiple Sclerosis
• Seizures including Epilepsy
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In addition Question 5 contained instructions for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), to establish a registry identification program for patients and caregivers, while also stipulating provisions for the operation of nonprofit dispensaries.

On June 26, 2013, LD 1062, added Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the list of approved conditions for medical marijuana use and was effectively enacted without the governor’s signature.

Maine Medical Marijuana Program: Possession and Cultivation Regulations

Maine patients and primary caregivers may legally possess no more than one and one-quarter (1-1.25) ounces of medical marijuana, and may legally cultivate no more than six marijuana plants, only three of which may be mature at any one time. Patients who are found to be in possession of larger quantities of medical marijuana than allowed by law are afforded a “simple defense” in response to a potential marijuana possession.
On April 02, 2002, Senate Bill 611 amended the law to increase the amount of usable marijuana a patient may possess, from one and one-quarter to two and one-half (2.5) ounces.