Maine cannabis history
Reviewed
The Law Library says voters approved Question 1 on November 8, 2016. The Office of Marijuana Policy dates retail sales to consumers 21 and older to October 9, 2020.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the Maine cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
November 2, 1999The referendum tabulation is the official count for the medical initiative, 256,387 yes and 161,114 no.
January 30, 2017The Law Library says possession of 2.5 ounces and six mature plants became effective on January 30, 2017.
October 9, 2020The Office of Marijuana Policy’s annual report dates retail sales to consumers 21 or older beginning on October 9, 2020.
The medical initiative
- The question asked whether patients with specific illnesses could grow and use small amounts of marijuana for treatment if a doctor approved.
Question 1 and retail sales
- After a recount, the Law Library says the law was enacted as IB 2015, chapter 5. A tabulation that still described the election as in dispute is not used as the final total.
- The Law Library says the legislature approved a moratorium on retail sales and taxation on January 27, 2017, until at least February 2018.
- It says P.L. 2017, chapter 409, took effect on May 2, 2018, when the legislature overrode the governor’s veto.
- The annual report says the first adult-use active licenses were issued on September 8, 2020.
Sources
- P.L. 2017, chapter 409, took effect on May 2, 2018, when the legislature overrode the governor’s veto
- retail sales to consumers 21 or older beginning on October 9, 2020
- grow and use small amounts of marijuana for treatment
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.