A bill aimed at overhauling Maine’s medical cannabis rule-making process became law on Thursday without the governor’s signature. Now, Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy must consult with the cannabis industry and lawmakers before making significant regulatory changes. 

LD 1242 will overhaul the state’s medical cannabis rule-making process. Providers, patients, and other professionals have a say in the rules and regulations governing the medical cannabis industry. 

The measure comes in response to multiple controversial proposed rules by the Maine Office of Marijuana Policy. LD 1242 requires the office to consult professionals and consumers in the industry before making rule changes. This goes for any qualifying condition changes as well as concentrations and THC limits. 

The change alters the designation of future rule changes from “routine technical” to “major substantive”. However, this consequently triggers a requirement for legislative input and a public process. The Office of Marijuana Policy must develop a hiring consultants process to advise new rules or changes to the program. 

Progress Drives Change 

Industry participants celebrate the new law, calling LD 1242 a means for Maine to lead the way in cannabis business reform. In addition with innovation and customer satisfaction. 

Mark Barnett, founder and chair of the Maine Craft Cannabis Association, said the legislation “ensures policymakers hear and respond to the needs of all stakeholders in this state.”

Co-sponsor Representative Lynne Williams, said the law only brings medical cannabis rule-making in line with other agencies. “This program is of profound importance to tens of thousands of patients, thousands of businesses and their employees and the state as a whole, so it is imperative that the Office of Marijuana Policy is required to bring major rules changes to the legislature – just like other agencies must do,” she said.

Future

For now, advocates say by allowing citizens and businesses to have a say, it will create a more stable and justice system. Advocates are excited to see play out.

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