Augusta, ME: Adult-use retail cannabis sales are anticipated to begin in October, according to new guidance issued by the state’s Office of Marijuana Policy.
According to a statement posted by the agency on Friday, “The Office intends to issue the first active licenses to recreational businesses on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.” Recreational sales are slated to begin on October 9, 2020.
State officials previously granted conditional approvals to applicants in March. Officials then announced that they were delaying the licensing process in April as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Because of an ongoing legal battle, retail sales will likely face additional delays in Portland.
Maine voters initially approved the legalization of cannabis sales in November 2016 by passing a statewide initiative, but lawmakers – led by former Republican Gov. Paul LePage – repeatedly took steps to delay the law’s implementation. Rules governing adult-use cannabis production and sales were not ultimately finalized until 2019.
For more information, contact Carly Wolf, NORML State Policies Coordinator.