After a four-year wait, Maine will finally deliver on the voter-approved initiative for legal, adult-use cannabis sales. Beginning October 9, Maine residents 21 and older can begin purchasing safe, legal, recreational cannabis at one of the state’s first two stores, Sweet Relief Shop in Northport and Theory Wellness of Maine in South Portland.
“Maine will have the unique distinction of being the only state to launch its adult-use marijuana program during a pandemic,” said Erik Gunderson, director of the state’s Office of Marijuana Policy, in a press release. “Public health and safety are themes that have been part of the Office of Marijuana Policy’s mission statement since day one. Accordingly, our highest priority remains the wellbeing of this new industry’s employees and consumers.”
In September, the Office of Marijuana Policy announced the first six licensees, including three cultivators (Gele, Grass Roots Marijuana and Room 5) and a testing lab (Nelson Analytical). Grass Roots has a Tier 3 license, allowing for up to 7,000 square feet of canopy; Gele and Room 5 have Tier 2s that allow 2,000 square feet.
Adult-use applications will continue to be accepted and processed by the Office of Marijuana Policy and new licenses will be issued on a rolling basis.