Maine Medical Marijuana Patient Information

What Conditions Can Medical Marijuana Be Used for?

The Maine Medical Marijuana Act does not provide a list of specific debilitating health conditions that qualify a patient to access medical marijuana. The Act was amended in 2018 to eliminate the use of the word "qualifying" for debilitating health conditions. Any individual with a debilitating health condition or chronic severe pain can use medical cannabis. Medical marijuana can be used in the management of health disorders and to ease the accompanying symptoms or side effects of treatments. Physicians may typically recommend medical marijuana for any of the following health conditions:

• Cancer
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington's disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Muscle spasms
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson's disease
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seizures (epilepsy)
• Severe pain
• Nausea
• Spinal cord injury with spasticity
• Cachexia (wasting syndrome)

What does an MMJ Card Permit in Maine?

Living in a state with a medical marijuana program affords cardholders some benefits. Both applicants under the MMMP program and those with printed patient certification issued by a registered medical provider enjoy various benefits. One of the essential benefits is that the qualifying patient will enjoy legal protection against Maine laws and penalties. Registering under the MMMP program entitles the MMJ cardholder to possess more significant amounts than an adult user. According to Section 2423-A of the Act, qualifying patients can possess up to 8 pounds of harvested marijuana. Section 2423-A also applies to individuals with a printed patient certification issued by a registered physician. Without an MMJ card, possession of 2.5 to 8 pounds attracts a six-month jail time or a fine of $1000 or both.

The doses of marijuana used by qualifying patients matter; it is essential to use highly potent cannabis to help with the symptoms. Registered medical dispensaries in Maine are all allowed to sell more potent cannabis. Individuals under the MMMP program and individuals with printed patient certification issued by a registered physician can access a broader range of cannabis products. They can access potent marijuana products, especially products labeled with the right amount of THC, cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. They will also help them identify the ingredients for the most effective strain and treatment and monitor dosages.

Also, medical marijuana products are often available at a lower price. Marijuana products are less expensive at medical dispensaries than at recreational ones due to the lower tax rates, per section 1817(5) of the Act. Maine imposes no tax on marijuana sold by a registered dispensary or registered caregiver to a qualifying patient or caregiver by the Maine Revenue Services. The combination of lower taxes and the ability to grow marijuana makes it less expensive.

How Long is a Maine Medical Marijuana Card Valid?

Per section 2425 (5) of the Act, the MMJ card (registry identification card) issued in Maine will be valid for one year. After the card expires, the qualifying patient can apply for a card renewal at the Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP). If the qualifying patient fails to renew their MMJ card, they will not be entitled to the legal protection under the Maine Medical Marijuana Act.

Does Maine have Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?

Yes. An Act to Ensure Access to Medical Cannabis for Visiting Qualifying Patients allows an out-of-state patient to use an MMJ card to purchase medical cannabis in Maine. MMJ cards of visiting patients will be valid if the home state authorizes it to purchase medical marijuana products in Maine. OMP has received authorization from some states to allow their residents to use their MMJ cards to purchase medical cannabis products. The state that has approved includes:

• Alaska,
• Arizona,
• Arkansas,
• California,
• Connecticut,
• Florida,
• Hawaii,
• Illinois,
• Iowa,
• Maryland,
• Massachusetts,
• Michigan,
• Minnesota,
• Montana,
• Nevada,
• New Hampshire,
• New Jersey,
• New Mexico,
• New York,
• North Dakota,
• Oklahoma,
• Oregon,
• Rhode Island,
• Vermont,
• Washington,
• Washington, DC.

As a result of the state reciprocity, any visiting qualifying patient from any of the above-listed states can use their MMJ card or any other state-issued identifying them as medical marijuana patient to purchase marijuana at a registered dispensary in Maine.

Is an MMIC Valid outside of Maine?

Yes, MMIC (registry identification card) issued in Maine is valid when its residents are out of state. A Maine-issued MMIC is valid in some other states that have medical marijuana reciprocity programs. With this card, the qualifying patient can purchase the allowable amount in that state. Note that buying more than the legal amount may lead to prosecution in that state. The State of Maine recognizes out-of-state issued cards carried by a visiting qualifying patient. As long as the state where the visiting patient resides has confirmed it. States who have some medical marijuana reciprocity programs include:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Washington
• Washington DC.

Is an MMIC Valid in Other Maine Counties?

Yes, the issued MMIC (registry identification card) is valid throughout the state. A cardholder will purchase cannabis from any registered medical dispensaries in any of the counties with the card.

Does Maine Accept Medical Marijuana Cards issued by another State?

Yes, the State of Maine accepts MMJ cards from other states. The provisions of An Act to Ensure Access to Medical Cannabis for Visiting Qualifying Patients allows visiting patients to use out-of-state MMJ cards in Maine. Out-of-state patients can purchase up to 2.5 pounds of marijuana products for every 15 days of their stay. However, Maine will only allow visitors from states who have authorized their residents to use their MMJ cards to purchase medical marijuana products in Maine. If the state is yet to confirm it, the visiting qualifying patient cannot use their MMJ card in Maine.

The Office of Marijuana Policy also allows visiting qualifying patients to register for a registry identification card under the MMMP voluntarily. If the application is approved within 30 days of filing, the visiting applicant will receive a Maine MMJ card within five days of approval. If the Maine Department of Health denies, the Department will inform the visiting qualifying patient and explain in writing why the denial. A visiting qualifying patient cannot cultivate marijuana plants; but, they can designate a caregiver or dispensary to assist with cultivation.

Does a Maine MMIC Protect Me Under Federal Law?

No, an MMIC issued in Maine will not protect the holder from being sanctioned under federal law. Marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug under the Federal Controlled Substance Act and is considered a dangerous drug with no acceptable medicinal value. Also, individuals must avoid using marijuana on federal property, such as national parks, public airports, military bases, and other federal-funded areas. An MMIC holder cannot also purchase firearms under federal law. When purchasing a gun, they must declare the use of drugs, even if it is for medical benefits. Having an MMIC will not protect the holder from being disqualified from acquiring a firearm.

Even though Maine's Laws on Marijuana are not invalidated, Maine residents may lose a federal job if they test positive for the use of marijuana. Also, they may not be entitled to federal subsidized house schemes, for instance, federally subsidized houses and even federal student grants.