A Brief History of Cannabis-Related Businesses in Maine.

The state of Maine has recognized Cannabis-Related Businesses as legitimate, legal companies since 2011.

Thirty-four U.S. states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Additionally, ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use for adults over 21 years of age.

In Maine, the state first legalized medical cannabis by referendum in 1999. In 2009, Maine voters again considered medical cannabis, this time establishing a legal distribution mechanism. The Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program (MMMP) became operational in 2010 and was directed to carry out the implementation of the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Act, with the first of Maine’s medical cannabis dispensaries commencing operation in 2011. In 2016, again via referendum, the state legalized the adult-use (or recreational) market.