How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine
The state of Maine offers one of the most patient-oriented medicinal marijuana programs in the US. The uniqueness of this program lies in two aspects: the absence of any mandated qualifying illnesses and the fact that patients can skip the mandatory registration process in the state. All one requires is a written statement from their doctors.
Medicinal cannabis became legal in the state back in 1999, while recreational use became lawful only in 2016. However, while any individual aged 21 and older may be allowed to engage in recreational consumption of marijuana, a medical license would provide certain privileges, like exemption from taxes and protection at the workplace.
The program is supervised by the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP), an agency belonging to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS).
Who Oversees the Program?
The OCP is responsible for running the MMMP, which includes managing provider registrations, caregiver registrations, and dispensary licenses.
- Website: maine.gov/dafs/ocp
Do You Qualify? Eligibility Requirements
To obtain medical marijuana in Maine, one needs to:
- Have a minimum age of 18 years (or younger with parental consent)
- Get a written recommendation by a licensed health care practitioner registered with the OCP
There is no need to be a resident of Maine; both residents and non-residents can use the program.
No Qualifying Conditions List
The qualifying conditions list for adults in Maine was removed in December 2018, and for pediatrics, the qualifying condition list was removed in April 2022. Currently, there is no list of qualifying conditions in Maine. This implies that the decision whether you can access cannabis will depend on your physician, based on your case needs. These conditions may include anxiety, insomnia, cancer, and many others.
Who Can Certify Patients?
Your certifying provider should be registered with the OCP and licensed by the corresponding Maine Board. Your eligible providers include physicians (M.D. and D.O.), physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and naturopaths registered with the OCP. They should establish a legitimate provider-patient relationship with you before providing you with a certification.
How To Get a Medical Cannabis Certification in Maine
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment With a Registered Provider
Locate a licensed medical professional in Maine who is registered with the OCP. Telehealth is completely acceptable, so your assessment can be completed using a video call at home. You can bring any relevant medical documentation if it is available. Although it is not always necessary, it will help your doctor understand your situation.
If it is decided that you would benefit from cannabis, a written certification will be issued.
Step 2: Receive Your Written Certification
The validity period for your certification document shall be 1 year, starting on the day of issuance, and it will have to contain your name, the doctor’s registration number with the OCP, and its expiration date.
Step 3: Visit a Licensed Dispensary
Take your certification form along with a valid government-issued ID to any licensed dispensary or caregiver retail location in Maine. There are more than 80 licensed dispensaries in Maine. The employees at such a dispensary check if you have registered your name and your ID with the certification form.
End of process. No website, no registration fee, and no mailed card.
Voluntary State Registration (Optional)
Patients can also choose to register themselves through the MMMP by sending their certification documents to the OCP, which will provide them with more legal rights and a state-issued registry card, although this step is not compulsory to buy medical marijuana.
Registration will not be granted to those patients who have committed a drug-related criminal act, such as producing cannabis concentrate in an unsafe way.
Benefits of a Medical Certification Over Recreational Access
Despite the legalization of recreational use of cannabis for persons aged 21 years or older, having a medical certificate confers certain advantages:
- Exemption from the excise tax – people who purchase cannabis for recreational use are required to pay an excise tax
- Ability to cultivate more cannabis – medical patients can cultivate more cannabis plants than recreational users
- Availability of caregivers – patients can appoint caregivers registered in the system to help in acquiring cannabis
- Workplace protection – employees cannot be discriminated against in any way because they are medical patients
- Accessibility starting at 18 years
Caregivers in Maine
Patient registration is voluntary, whereas caregivers have to register with the OCP and get a registry ID card, except if they are parents, legal guardians, or legal custodians of minor patients.
The criteria that make one a registered caregiver include:
- Being 21 years or older
- Having no previous criminal records relating to drugs (a background check, which costs $31, is mandatory)
- Paying the respective caregiver registration fee ($240 for growing up to six mature plants and twelve immature ones for each patient)
A caregiver can provide care services for up to five patients. Disabled adults and minors can appoint another caregiver, subject to certain conditions.
Minor Patients
Minors younger than 18 can use marijuana for medicinal purposes in Maine, provided that they:
- Are approved by their certifying provider and a consulting physician through certification approval
- Have written consent from their parents/legal guardians
- Are cared for by at least one of their parents/legal guardians
Upon turning 18, minors can receive a certification on their own without any form of consent from their parents.
Out-of-State Visiting Patients
Maine will accommodate qualified patients visiting from other states. As long as you have a medical marijuana permit from your home state and your state recognizes reciprocity, you will be able to make purchases in Maine if you present your permit and an ID.
Renewing Your Certification
Your certificate expires in one year. You can book another appointment for certification by a registered Maine provider – telehealth appointments work as well. There is no fee to renew. Ideally, you should renew your permit 30 days before the expiration date.
Key Things To Remember
- Qualifying Conditions Not Required – Your Provider Is The Judge
- Registration With The State Is Optional For Patients – Your Letter Of Certification Will Satisfy All Requirements
- No Fee To Register Certifications Or For Registration (If It’s Done)
- Telemedicine Is Completely Acceptable For Evaluations
- Certificates Are Valid For One Year
- Caregivers Must Register With The OCP (Background Check Required, $31 Application Fee)
- Maine Has Employment Protections For Medical Patients
- Patients From Other States Can Use Maine Dispensaries With A Valid Out-of-State Card
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a specific diagnosis to get a medical cannabis certification in Maine?
No. Maine has no qualifying conditions list. Your provider uses professional judgment to assess whether cannabis may benefit your condition. Almost any chronic or debilitating condition may qualify at a provider’s discretion.
Do I need to register with the state to buy medical cannabis in Maine?
No. State registration is entirely voluntary for patients. Your written certification from a registered provider, along with a valid photo ID, is all you need to purchase at any licensed dispensary in the state.
Can I get my Maine medical certification through telemedicine?
Yes. Telemedicine evaluations are fully accepted in Maine for both initial certifications and renewals. You can complete the entire process from home with no in-person visit required.
Why get a medical certification if recreational cannabis is already legal in Maine?
A medical certification exempts you from excise taxes, gives you higher cultivation rights, provides access to the caregiver network, offers employment protections, and allows adults aged 18 to 20 to purchase legally. Recreational access requires you to be 21.
Can I use my out-of-state medical card at Maine dispensaries?
Yes, in most cases. Maine accepts visiting qualifying patients with valid out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Present your card and a valid government-issued photo ID at any licensed Maine dispensary.
Christine Winter - (AMWA-Certified Medical/Scientific Writer)
Author