Maine Medical Marijuana

Maine Medical Marijuana was initiated in 1998 for the legal protection of those patients who may benefit from the medical use of cannabis. Medical Marijuana Maine law is one of the more ambiguous laws of the current allowing states. It specifies very little other than basic protection from prosecution and asset seizure, usable amounts, and qualifying conditions / requirements.

In addition to its ambiguous nature, there is no formal application process, or registration requirement. To use Medical Marijuana as an affirmative defense in Maine, an individual is required to provide written verification that they meet one of the qualifying conditions, as diagnosed by a licensed physician. Referring physicians have been proven to be protected under Federal law via the First Amendment.

Patients over the age of 18 must have a physician’s written certification that they suffer from at least one of the following chronic or debilitating medical conditions:

• Glaucoma
• Seizures / Epilepsy
• Persistent Muscle Spasms / Multiple Sclerosis
• Cachexia, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite associate with AIDS or Chemotherapy

Patients under the age of 18 who suffer from at least one of the above conditions must also have written authorization from a parent or legal guardian.

Allowable amounts of Maine Medical Marijuana are limited—per patient/caregiver—to 2.5 ounces and 6 plants, 3 of which must be non flowering. No specific literature is found in Medical Marijuana Maine laws about distribution or cultivation. The ambiguity of the law continues in that no information is provided on where to grow, how many patients a caregiver can have under their care, or how many caregivers may share a growing space. The lack of information may allow for dispensaries to form, however, anyone looking into such organizations should consult an attorney in this state.

As with all other states that allow Medical Marijuana, no public consumption is allowed. Nor are there any specific literature regarding housing or employment protection. Maine Medical Marijuana does not require any insurance company to reimburse expenses related to the cultivation, procurement, or consumption of cannabis.