State medical cannabis laws are inconsistent and Maine is one of the more permissive states when it comes to marijuana. In 2016, Maine voters elected to add Maine to the short list of states permitting the recreational use of marijuana. However, even though the typical adult in Maine may use cannabis, the state regulates dispensers of medical cannabis. Modern Canna is here to help growers, prescribers, and dispensers provide the safest product to their patients by providing accurate specialty laboratory analysis.
Maine cannabis testing regulations
Medical marijuana growers, caregivers, and dispensaries must comply with a system of Maine cannabis testing laws and related regulations. Unlike many other states, Maine marijuana testing regulations do not include a requirement for dispensaries, prescribers, or caregivers to test medical cannabis for contaminants or potency. They do, however, require dispensaries to make samples available so that the state may test for pesticides, pests, mold, mildew, and heavy metals.
Despite the lack of marijuana testing regulations, some ME medical cannabis dispensaries voluntarily partner with third-party laboratories for several reasons:
- Dispensers and caregivers know that there are potentially harmful effects that patients could suffer if the a medical product contains contaminants or is not dosed properly; and
- State and federal laws are in a state of flux, evolving at a rapid pace; contaminant and potency testing will likely be required under either Maine or federal law in the near future.
Though ME has not adopted mandatory cannabis state testing regulations, prudent dispensaries will consider adding this analysis in order to provide the most appropriate and consistent product to patients. Modern Canna Science specializes in performing targeted laboratory analysis on behalf of dispensaries committed to providing only the safest medical cannabis products.
Maine marijuana laws
In addition to allowing medical use of cannabis, in 2016, Maine voters approved a referendum legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Parts of the legislation pertaining to possession and use went into effect in 2017 while laws regarding sales will not go into effect until February 2018.
The recreational use law allows adults age 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for recreational use. The law prohibits providing marijuana to anyone under the age of 21 or using in public or while in a vehicle that is in operation. The law also prohibits marijuana sales within the state except when it is dispensed by a licensed medical dispensary.
Anyone age 18 or older with a qualifying medical condition may use marijuana in ME. The patient must have a “debilitating medical condition” such as cancer, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, or a number of other chronic or debilitating diseases, which the doctor must certify with the Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services (DLRS) within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The law limits the number of plants that dispensaries grow at a time.
Medical cannabis testing in Maine
Modern Canna Science is committed to helping medical marijuana dispensers provide the safest and most consistent cannabis product possible. Our state-of-the-art laboratory is tailored to the needs of the medical cannabis field; we deliver accurate and detailed results to help you make informed decisions about the product you provide.
Additional Maine cannabis testing regulations resources:
- Maine Division of Public Health Systems, Maine Medical Use of Marijuana, http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/mmm/index.shtml
- Press Herald, Recreational marijuana is now legal in Maine. Here’s what you need to know, http://www.pressherald.com/2017/01/30/recreational-marijuana-is-now-legal-in-maine-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
- Maine.gov, Rules Governing the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program, http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/mmm/documents/MMMP-Rules-144c122.pdf