As Maine’s largest medical cannabis organization, the Wellness Connection fields many questions from individuals interested in cannabis. And it makes sense – though recreational use was approved by voters in 2016, legislation is still unclear on the way forward. As a result, we operate under Maine’s Medical Cannabis Program to provide consistent, safe access to medical cannabis to qualified patients.
Here is a most frequently asked question we receive from patients, consumers and the cannabis-curious who want to know more about the cannabis program in Maine.
Do I need a medical card to buy marijuana (weed) in Maine?
Yes. If you are currently using medical cannabis, you must possess a medical card certifying a need for a condition. A medical card can be obtained through the recommendation of a physician. The Wellness Connection offers convenient medical card certification on site.
In Maine, any M.D., D.O. or C.N.P., or P.A. can recommend cannabis for you. Once your provider has written a certification, you may visit a WCM dispensary location. Upon arrival, our staff will talk with you to fully understand your needs, provide guidance on suggested strains, review all modalities available, and answer any questions you have about cannabis.
Patients can purchase marijuana from registered marijuana dispensaries, a registered caregiver, or grow their own.
If you are currently using medical cannabis, you must renew your certification annually to continue to legally buy cannabis. Caregivers and dispensaries will only permit sales to properly qualified and registered patients.
There are protections for patients under Maine’s medical cannabis program that do not extend to those individuals who consume recreationally. They include:
- Qualified patients cannot be denied any right or privilege by landlords, employers or schools.
- Courts may not rule against an individual in some domestic cases (i.e. divorce, custody) solely for being a qualified medical cannabis patient.
- Qualified patients cannot be subjected to arrest, prosecution, penalty, or disciplinary action for lawfully using medical cannabis.
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices may permit qualified patients to ingest medicine at some facilities.
- Minor children (under the care of their physician/parental guardian) can legally ingest cannabis, and if needed, possibly in a school setting.
- Medical cannabis patients will enjoy a reduced tax (5.5 percent) on all of their purchases. When retail cannabis is eventually sold over the counter, there will be a significantly higher sales tax.
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, possession of small amounts and limited home cultivation are legal. Possession of two and a half ounces or less or marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older. Adults may also cultivate up to three mature marijuana plants at their residence or on another adult’s property with the owner’s permission.
Can a Canadian that holds a medical marijuana card purchase medical marijuana in Maine
Unfortunately, we can only accept medical cards from the states.
My mother has a medical marijuana license issued in Massachusetts. Can she use it to purchase it in Maine?
Yes. She will need to bring a valid Massachusetts medical card and a valid state id or driver’s license.
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