Learn the Laws

Possession or use of cannabis without a medical certification is only legal in Maine for people ages 21+.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1501

Using cannabis in any form (smoking, eating or vaping) isn’t allowed in public places, including amusement parks, ski resorts, sporting and music venues, state and national parks, campsites, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads, cannabis retail businesses, bars, restaurants and outdoor or rooftop cafes.

So where can you use it? Cannabis use is legal within the confines of private property. Just keep in mind that property owners, landlords, and rental companies can ban the use and possession of cannabis on their premises.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1501(2)(A)

Cannabis is legal under State of Maine law. Federally, it is not legal. If you’re on federal property, such as a national park or a border crossing, you can’t even have it in your possession.

See: 21 U.S.C. § 812

It’s illegal to leave Maine with any cannabis products – medical or non-medical. Mailing cannabis from Maine is also illegal.

See: 21 U.S.C. § 812, CBP Statement on Canada’s Legalization of Cannabis and Crossing the Border

It’s illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. You could be charged with an O.U.I.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1501(2)(B)(1), 29-A M.R.S. §2411

Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, including up to 10 grams of cannabis concentrate. It is illegal to open and use cannabis in a vehicle. This goes for both the passenger and the driver.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1501(1)(B) and (2)(B)(1)

Mainers can grow cannabis for personal use. As many as six mature and twelve immature plants, plus unlimited seedlings, are allowed per resident 21 years of age or older.

These restrictions do not apply to the cultivation of cannabis for medical use by a qualifying patient, a caregiver, a registered caregiver or a registered dispensary as authorized by the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1502(1)

An adult who chooses to grow plants for personal use must make sure the cannabis is not visible from a public way without the use of binoculars.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1502(2)(A)

An adult who chooses to grow their own plants must take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access by individuals under the age of 21.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1502(2)(B)

If you’re growing cannabis for personal use, the plant(s) must be tagged with a legible label that includes your name, driver’s license or state identification number, and a notation that the plant(s) are being grown as authorized by law.

For example:
Connor S. Sample, Jr.
ID: 1234567
Personal Adult Use: Title 28-B, Section 1502

If the parcel or tract of land you are growing on is owned by someone else, you must have their written permission to grow and care for your plants and include the landowners name on each plant’s label.

See: 28-B M.R.S. §1502(1)(C) and (2)(C)

Individuals who have received a patient certification from a medical professional may legally access medical cannabis from a caregiver or dispensary. Cards are available to Maine residents only.

Patients visiting Maine from another state may be able to purchase medical cannabis from a registered caregiver or dispensary if they have valid patient identification credentials (like a registry or patient identification card) and their state of residence allows them to use their state-issued credential to purchase medical cannabis in Maine.

See Maine Medical Use Cannabis Program for more information. 

See: 22 M.R.S. §2423-A, Id. §2423-C, Id. §2425-A

For individuals on probation, there may be rules and restrictions related to cannabis use or possession. Contact a probation officer to find out more.

See 15 M.R.S. §1026 (3)(A) and 15 M.R.S. §1022 (4)(G)