Find a Doctor & Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Maine
Is cannabis legal in Maine?
Maine was the 4th state in the United States to legalize medical cannabis. Medical cannabis has been legal in Maine since 1999. Maine has both a medical cannabis program and an adult use industry.
The medical program serves patients, while Maine’s adult use industry services consumers 21 years of age and older who get a medical marijuana card or certification from a licensed medical marijuana doctor. Medical cannabis in Maine is administered by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services in the Office of Cannabis Policy.
You will not find adult use cannabis and medical cannabis in the same facility. To purchase medical cannabis at a dispensary, patients must have valid medical cannabis credentials with them.
Who qualifies for a medical marijuana card in Maine?
Marijuana policy in Maine dictates that only medical patients over the age of 21 or a primary caregiver (i.e. family member of minor patients) can buy medical cannabis in Maine, provided that they have received a patient certification verifying they’ll benefit from medical use from a medical professional, which can be done through Compassionate Clinics of America.
Many other states have a list of qualifying medical conditions that patients must have to obtain medical marijuana. In Maine, however, it is up to the discretion of the doctor to certify patients if they believe that they live with a medical condition that will benefit from a Maine medical marijuana card. Again, there is no official list of qualifying medical conditions to get a card in Maine.
Visiting patients from another state may be able to purchase medical marijuana from a registered caregiver or dispensary if they have valid patient identification credentials (like a registry identification card or patient identification card) and their state of residence allows them to use their state-issued credentials to purchase medical marijuana in other states.
Do I need a referral from a licensed medical marijuana doctor to get a medical card?
Yes, you need a certification from a licensed medical provider to obtain Maine medical marijuana. This medical documentation is required to be registered within the Maine department that administers medical cannabis.
If your medical providers do not provide medical cannabis certifications, Compassionate Clinics of America has licensed medical providers who are registered to certify medical marijuana patients here in Maine.
How do I get a medical cannabis card in Maine?
Becoming a medical marijuana patient in Maine couldn’t be easier and is extremely convenient!
First, new patients will need to obtain a medical evaluation to proceed with the certification process.
Rather than having to present with a specific qualifying condition, the medical marijuana doctor will determine based on your medical records and any other patient information whether you will benefit from cannabis products for your health.
Compassionate Clinics of America has registered medical providers in Maine to help you through this process.
Once you have been approved for the marijuana program, qualified patients will have their medical provider ship their written certification to the Maine medical marijuana program, and patients will also get a copy of their certification in the mail, officially making them a medical patient. Your written certification is the Maine medical marijuana card.
Patients may also request that they get their medical marijuana cards in digital format.
At this point, you can begin purchasing cannabis at a licensed Maine dispensary.
What are the benefits of having a med card?
There are several benefits to having a Maine medical card, even though recreational cannabis is legal in the state.
When you have a certification to purchase medical marijuana in Maine, you have greater access to products that have been curated to target different medical needs.
Becoming a medical cannabis patient is a more cost effective way to consume cannabis in the state of Maine. Maine patients are required to pay a 5.50% sales tax on every purchase of medical marijuana. There is no additional excise tax on medical marijuana in Maine. Those who consume cannabis for recreational purposes in Maine are required to pay a 10% sales tax on every purchase of marijuana for personal use.
How much does it cost to get a medical card in Maine?
Compassionate Clinics of America offers one of the most affordable fees for medical marijuana patients to get their certifications in the country.
The cost to get a certification for a medical marijuana card is $79 for new patients, and $79 for a renewal for existing patients. We offer Sezzle payment options to break up the cost into separate, affordable payments.
In order to ensure patient access to the program, the State of Maine has never charged medical providers for the cards they provide to qualifying patients.
What information and forms are required when a patient applies for a Medical Marijuana ID card?
When applying for Maine medical marijuana, provide the licensed marijuana doctor from Compassionate Clinics of America with any medical records that show your medical history with a particular condition.
How long is my Maine medical marijuana card valid for?
A medical marijuana card in the state of Maine is valid for a period of one (1) year. If you get your Maine medical marijuana certification from Compassionate clinics of America, we will remind you well before your renewal date to visit a registered medical provider to ensure you keep your card in Maine.
When can I renew my ID card?
You can renew your card close to the date of expiry, as the process in Maine is relatively quick and easy; however, we recommend you don’t wait too long to ensure you can continue to purchase medical marijuana products.
Your renewal is done over a video call with a doctor online. It can be a different doctor than the doctor who provided you with your certification to get medical marijuana the first time or prior times.
What is required for renewal?
To renew, provide your medical marijuana card and any other medical documentation that shows your history. Feel free to discuss any new concerns you may have with the medical marijuana doctor.
I’ve heard that I can renew my medical cannabis card in Maine for $20. Where can I renew my medical cannabis card in Maine for $20?
Please be advised that there are no medical providers that exist who will provide you with your medical cannabis certification renewal for $20.
The cost for a renewal for existing medical cannabis patients in Maine is $79.
Can I apply to become a caregiver for someone else?
To become a caregiver, complete and submit the appropriate medical use application(s). Supplemental instructions on becoming a caregiver can be found here:
Among other things, you will need to provide a copy of your State issued driver’s license or identification card. The state office requests that you review all materials for completeness prior to submission to ensure their timely consideration and processing. It could take up to 30 days to approve a caregiver application.
I live in another state, can I apply?
Visiting patients from another state may be able to purchase medical cannabis from a registered caregiver or dispensary if they have valid patient identification credentials (like a registry identification card) and their state of residence allows them to use their state-issued credentials to purchase medical cannabis in other states.
Can I use medical marijuana anywhere in Maine?
According to Maine law, using cannabis in any form (smoking, eating or vaping) isn’t allowed in public places, including amusement parks, ski resorts, sporting and music venues, state and national parks, campsites, playgrounds, sidewalks and roads, cannabis retail businesses, bars, restaurants and outdoor or rooftop cafes.
Cannabis use is legal within the confines of private property. However, property owners, landlords, and rental companies can ban the personal use and possession of cannabis on their premises, which medical cannabis patients should be aware of.
Will I be given a temporary card while my application is being processed?
Yes. A certifying provider must still issue to qualifying patients a physical patient certification on tamper-resistant paper, but Compassionate Clinics of America can also provide a digital image of the qualifying patient’s written certification within a few minutes of the video chat.
This digital image of a patient certification contains all information included on the patient certification.
Can I have a medical marijuana card and own a gun in Maine?
No, individuals in Maine who have a medical cannabis card cannot legally own a gun. While federal law prohibits firearm ownership for anyone considered “an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance,” including marijuana, Maine law mirrors this federal prohibition.
However, it’s essential to note that this rule has faced legal challenges, with some arguing that it infringes on Second Amendment rights. While the law remains in place, law-abiding medical marijuana users and caregivers in Maine should be aware of the potential legal risks associated with gun ownership, particularly on both the federal and state levels.
Can a doctor complete a medical marijuana certification via telehealth?
Yes! Speaking with a doctor at Compassionate Clinics of America about medical marijuana is completely online and done through a video call! Be sure to check out our appointment schedule to get your med card right away.
Questions About Medical Cannabis Certification in Maine?
Feel free to connect with us anytime at [email protected] or call us at (888) 611-4820.
Frequently Asked Questions relating to the Maine medical cannabis program can be accessed at this link:
