How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine

What is an MMJ Card in Maine?

In 2009, the Maine Medical Marijuana Act was enacted, which decriminalized possession of marijuana. The Maine Medical Marijuana Act and the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program Rule govern the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP). An MMJ card (medical marijuana card) is a Maine-issued ID that allows patients with recommended health conditions to purchase marijuana for treating medical conditions. The administration of the MMMP is provided by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) under the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP).

In Maine, an application for an MMJ card (registry identification card) is optional. Although to be a qualified patient under the marijuana program, individuals must have a recommendation from a medical provider registered with the OCP. MMJ cards are not limited only to the state-issued card; the printed patient certifications issued by medical providers are also a form of MMJ card. It is important to note that only medical providers registered online can give a valid printed medical marijuana certification. The registration is under the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services (DLRS) within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Unlike patients who may choose to register under the MMMP, caregivers must obtain an MMJ card. The only exceptions to this are the parents, legal guardians, or persons with legal custody of a minor applying for an MMJ card.

The amendment of the Maine Medical Marijuana Act in 2018 removed all "qualifying conditions" and allowed all patient access. The Office of Cannabis Policy publishes annual reports of patient, caregiver, and medical provider enrollments in the Maine medical marijuana program. Its 2022 report shows that there were 106,164 printed patient certifications, 2,276 caregivers, 824 medical providers, and 35 licensed dispensaries that year.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Maine?

In Maine, there is no legal age restriction on who can voluntarily register under the MMMP program. Qualifying adult patients and minor patients can apply for an MMJ card. Also, primary caregivers and officials of a dispensary facility are required to apply for an MMJ card. OCP will, however, deny the registration of a voluntary qualifying patient who has a disqualifying drug offense. For instance, an individual who has been penalized for manufacturing marijuana concentrate using a hazardous substance may be disqualified from getting an MMJ card.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine?

Voluntary registration can be done for a minor qualifying patient to acquire an MMJ card in Maine. When applying, the minor must also submit a written consent form from their parent or legal guardian, permitting them to use medical marijuana. This consent letter must be accompanied by a valid state-issued ID of the parent or legal guardian. The application must also be accompanied by a written certification to be issued by the medical provider.

If the minor designates a caregiver other than the above listed, the caregiver must also register for an MMJ card (registry identification card). The caregiver must be:

• At least 21 years of age
• Have no disqualifying drug offense
• Pass a criminal history record check

A minor can still access medical marijuana in Maine if they get issued a printed patient certification online by a registered medical provider.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Maine in 2024?

In 2018, the Maine Medical Marijuana Act was amended to eliminate using the word "qualifying" for debilitating health conditions. As a result, any health condition that an individual's physician deems suitable for medical marijuana treatment qualifies for obtaining a patient certification or MMJ card.

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Maine in 2024?

To voluntarily apply for an MMJ card (registry identification card) in Maine, the qualifying patient can submit their completed application form to the OCP via mail. Caregivers not under Section 2423-A, (3)(c) and officials of the dispensary must compulsorily register under the MMMP by applying mail.

How to Apply For An MMJ Card By Mail In Maine

In Maine, qualifying patients do not need to register under the MMMP or possess an MMJ card (registry identification card). Application for MMJ cards at the Maine Department of Health is voluntary for a qualifying patient who has a written certification issued by their physician. The physician issuing the written certificate must be a registered member of the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. The written certification must conform to the provisions of the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program Rule. These provisions include:

• It must be on tamper-resistant paper
• The written certification doesn't need to disclose the medical condition of the qualifying patient
• It expires a year after issuance, so it must contain the date issued and expiration date.
• It must be issued in good faith

The applicant must download and complete the Patient Designation Form. The patient may send the completed form and copy of a valid state-issued photo ID via mail to:

Medical Use of Marijuana Program

Office of Cannabis Policy

162 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0162

The primary caregiver managing a minor qualifying patient should complete the Caregiver Application Form online.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Maine MMIC?

In Maine, a primary caregiver must apply for a Maine MMIC (registry identification card) to assist a qualifying patient with the medical use of marijuana. The primary caregiver must complete the caregiver application form and send it to the:

Medical Use of Marijuana Program

Office of Cannabis Policy

162 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0162

A valid driver's license must accompany the application. The primary caregiver has more than one qualifying patient; they must apply for an MMIC for each patient. They must also possess a designation form signed by all the patients they are assisting. To be an eligible primary caregiver, the caregiver must reside in the State of Maine and be:

• At least 21 years of age
• No disqualifying drug offense
• Must not be denied because of their criminal history record check

When the MMIC is issued to the primary caregiver, they can assist the qualifying patient in purchasing cannabis for medical use. They can also help the qualifying patient grow and cultivate marijuana up to six marijuana plants for personal use. The caregiver will need to pay an annual registration fee if they are growing cannabis for the qualifying patient. OCP will conduct a criminal background check on caregivers administering medical marijuana products on school grounds. The caregiver must obtain the criminal history record check from the Maine Criminal Justice Information System.

For caregivers incorporated as a business entity, they may obtain an MMJ card in the business's name. They must submit evidence of the business registration with the Secretary of State, along with their application. The business must also have a good standing with the Secretary of State.

How long does it take to get a Maine MMIC?

It takes the Department, through the OCP, 30 days to verify information in the application before approving or denying an MMIC (registry identification card) application. If it is approved, the Department will issue an MMIC to the applicant within five days. Applications for caregivers, administering medical marijuana on school grounds, usually takes about 45 days before the Department will issue an approval or denial.

The approval of the application is not automatic. Some situations may prompt the Department to deny an application. It includes:

• If the applicant fails to provide the information on their criminal history record, check if they are administering medical marijuana on school grounds
• The application did not just qualify to be under the MMMP
• The Maine Department of Health determined that most of the information in the applications is false

If the Maine Department of Health denies the application, they notify the applicant in writing stating the reasons for the denial. The applicant may request an administrative hearing per the provisions of Title 5, Chapter 375, Subchapter 4 of the Act.

Getting a Maine Medical Marijuana Card Online

Since registration at the OCP is voluntary, the office allows medical providers to issue printed patient certifications to qualifying patients for medical marijuana use. This service is offered online by medical providers who have registered for this service. Even though it is not a state-issued MMJ card, holders of this printed patient certification have access to the same benefit as an MMJ cardholder.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Maine?

The Department does not require an annual registration fee for a voluntary qualifying patient or a visiting qualifying patient. Also, no yearly fee is needed when the parent, legal guardian, or person with legal custody of the qualifying patient is the designated caregiver. Caregivers who will not be cultivating marijuana plants for qualifying plants do not also need to pay an annual registration fee.

Caregivers who are not among those mentioned above will be required to pay the annual registration fee. They are to pay not less than $50 but not more than $240 for each group of up to six mature marijuana plants. When a caregiver cultivates more than six mature marijuana plants, they must notify the Department about it. The due fee should be made payable to the Treasurer, State of Maine. Payment may be made by bank check or money order.

How Do I Renew My Medical Marijuana Card In Maine?

To renew an MMJ card (registry identification card) in Maine is the same as applying for a new MMJ card. To renew, the qualifying patient will need to complete the patient designation form. The applicant may send the completed form, written certification, and copy of a valid driver's license with a photograph or other photographic identification via mail.

Caregivers renew their cards by completing the Caregiver Application Form online. If a cardholder loses the registry identification card, the cardholder must notify the Department within ten days and submit the proper fee. Within five days, the Department will issue a card replacement.

Are My Details Kept Confidential When I Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine?

Yes, information used in applying for an MMJ card (registry identification card) in Maine is kept confidential by the Department. All records that may identify the applicants under MMMP are confidential and can only be disclosed as permitted by 22 Maine Revised Statutes, Section 1711-C.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provisions guarantee the protection of all patient information against disclosure without their consent. The Department, in compliance, must ensure that all information identifying a qualifying patient, patient-physician or primary caregivers in a dispensary are protected. Information on registered dispensaries is public information that anyone can access.

The Department only allows law enforcement agencies to verify the information within the scope of their investigation without breaching HIPAA provisions. Any confidential information accessed during their investigation must be handled so that the individuals cannot be easily identified. This rule also applies to state government agencies designated by the commissioner to access information necessary to produce registry identification cards or manage the program.

What Information Appears On A Maine Medical Marijuana Card?

In Maine, the following information will appear on the face of the MMJ card (registry identification card):

• The cardholder's name
• Issuance date and expiration date
• The unique random identification number of the cardholder
• Designation showing if the cardholder is allowed to cultivate marijuana plants

Can Someone Track Me Down Through The Maine Registry?

No. The provisions of 22 Maine Revised Statutes, Section 1711-C, only permit law enforcement agencies and government agencies designated by the commissioner to access registry information. The requester must use the information so that the individual involved will not be easily identifiable.