Is CBD Legal in Maine? ME Hemp Laws (2023)
Is it okay to buy CBD oil in Maine?
Yes, actually. CBD oils — may they be sourced from hemp or marijuana — is legal in Maine.
Medical marijuana products have been legal in Maine since 1999. Hemp-derived CBD products, on the other hand, were made legally accessible to residents by the 2018 Farm Bill and the passing of the state’s LD 630 in 2019.
Our guide helps you understand Maine’s CBD laws and federal laws.
We’ll also give you tips on choosing and buying CBD oil in Maine, where to look for excellent CBD products, and what brands to check out.
Is CBD Legal in Maine?
The short answer is Yes. CBD is legal in Maine. You do not have to worry about its sources since both hemp and marijuana are accepted in the state.
Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 1999. However, medical marijuana access was limited to patients with serious or debilitating health problems.
In 2009, Maine expanded its program better to serve the state’s growing number of registered patients. The changes included the establishment of nonprofit dispensaries for easier access as well as the creation of a statewide medical marijuana identification card system to protect registered patients.
As for hemp, Maine legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp in 2009. However, hemp-derived CBD was legalized only in February 2019 through LD 630. This was done to align the state’s laws with the 2018 Farm Bill.
The 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp is no longer considered a controlled substance, provided its THC level doesn’t exceed 0.3%. All its parts can now be used legally as long as it’s been cultivated and processed per federal and state laws.
Both these laws gave Maine residents access to hemp-derived CBD products.
Related: US CBD Legality Interactive Map
So, do you know where to buy legal CBD in Maine?
Let us explore your options.
Best CBD Oils in Maine
- Royal CBD Oil — Top CBD Oil
- Gold Bee CBD Gummies — Top Vegan CBD Gummies
- CBDfx Topicals — Best CBD Topicals
1. Royal CBD Oil — Top CBD Oil
Get 15% off all Royal CBD products. Use code “CFAH” at checkout.
For a wide range of premium-grade CBD products, we recommend Royal CBD. Not only are they considered one of the top brands in the market, but they also offer the most reliable CBD products right now. You’ll find CBD oils of varying potencies to suit different health needs.
Their CBD oils underwent laboratory testing by an accredited third party, so you’re assured of their potency and quality. Their oils are also sourced from organic, US-grown hemp cultivated by compliant growers.
2. Gold Bee CBD Gummies — Top Vegan CBD Gummies
Gold Bee is relatively new in the CBD landscape, having only been launched in 2019. They may also be smaller than most CBD companies, but they’re already making a big name in the industry for their vegan CBD products.
Gold Bee’s THC-free vegan gummies are the top go-to of many CBD users. In addition to being vegan-friendly, their gummies are also gluten-free.
This CBD brand also offers CBD oils, honey sticks, and capsules.
3. CBDfx Topicals — Best CBD Topicals
Launched in 2014, CBDfx is considered one of the industry’s strongest and biggest CBD brands. They’re popular for their CBD oils, tinctures, edibles, vapes, topicals, and pet-specific products.
For those looking for topicals, we recommend CBDfx’s products. They offer the widest CBD topicals to choose from — from creams and balms to bath salts and face oil serum. All products are solvent-free, hemp-derived, and laboratory-tested for purity and potency.
Do You Need a Prescription to Buy CBD Oil in Maine?
No. If you’re a resident of Maine, you don’t have to get a doctor’s prescription or ask for a recommendation to buy CBD oil. Hemp-derived CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC is perfectly legal, and you can buy them online or from natural health stores.
However, for marijuana-derived CBD products with higher THC content, non-registered qualifying patients need to have a written certification from their physician. The written certification must be original and unexpired.
Do You Need a Medical Card to Buy CBD Oil in Maine?
Medical cards aren’t required when you’re buying hemp-derived CBD oil in Maine. You should be okay if it’s sourced from industrial hemp that contains no more than 0.3% THC.
If you’re a registered patient though, you’ll be required to show your valid medical card when buying marijuana-derived CBD oil in Maine.
Is CBD Legal in Maine for Minors?
Hemp-derived CBD products compliant with state and federal laws are legal to people of all ages. However, if you’re going to give CBD to a minor, we recommend consulting with his physician first.
As for marijuana-derived CBD, minors must have a primary caregiver who’ll give consent to using medical marijuana and manage its use. They’ll also need a medical provider’s written certification to buy, use, and possess marijuana-derived CBD products.
Of note, registering a minor with the state’s program is also voluntary.
Is Traveling with CBD legal in Maine?
Traveling with hemp-derived CBD in Maine should be fine. You also won’t get into trouble if you cross state borders with federally-compliant CBD oils.
You should also be fine traveling with marijuana-derived CBD oil within the state. Maine’s medical marijuana program protects you from the law as long as you’re compliant and follow state laws.
It’s crossing state borders with marijuana-derived CBD oil though, that can get you in some hot water, especially if it contains a higher THC level.
Federally, marijuana is still considered a dangerous drug, and crossing state borders with products containing higher than 0.3% THC is a crime.
Can You Fly with CBD?
Yes. Users are allowed to fly with hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC. Just make sure you have a copy of the product’s certificate of analysis (which can be found on the manufacturer’s website) showing its THC level.
Avoid flying with marijuana-derived products, though. Transporting marijuana products containing more than 0.3% THC is illegal and could land you many legal troubles.
What Type of CBD is Right for You?
You’ll basically see three types of CBD oils on the market. You have pure CBD oil, which only has CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has other cannabinoids and terpenes but is THC-free, and full-spectrum CBD oil which contains THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.
All are great products, but if you’re after stronger and more potent effects, we recommend choosing full-spectrum CBD oil.
The addition of THC in full-spectrum CBD oils makes the entourage effect stronger. The low THC level boosts the therapeutic effects of the other cannabinoids and terpenes, but it’s not enough to make you high.
Where to Buy CBD in Maine
It’s perfectly fine to buy CBD oil online or from your local dispensary. You’ll find great CBD products from both sources.
However, shop for your CBD oil online if you’re after convenience and additional perks. Not only will you enjoy big discounts from online cannabis shops, but you’ll also find more (sometimes even better) CBD brands. You’ll also have a wider assortment of CBD products to choose from.
Buying CBD online also lets you choose and compare the different brands and their prices leisurely.
When buying CBD, though, keep these in mind.
1. Look for the Product’s COA
One big proof that shows you’re buying a quality CBD product is its certificate of analysis or COA.
Reputable CBD producers always have their products tested by an accredited third party to ensure their consumer’s safety. They also send their products to these facilities to check their potency, purity, and quality.
Don’t trust CBD manufacturers that can’t provide laboratory product results. This could mean their products failed testing or were never tested at all.
Remember, consuming contaminated cannabis products is putting your health at risk.
2. Avoid Brands That Make Too-Good-to-Be-True Claims
Reputable CBD brands are compliant with state and federal laws. They also won’t make incredible claims to catch their market’s attention.
If you see products claiming premium quality at the cheapest price or advertising themselves as the cure-all, stay away from them.
Cheap usually means substandard materials and processes, and their outrageous health claims are attractive to unsuspecting buyers.
3. Read Reviews
Another factor to consider in choosing a good CBD brand is its reviews and customer feedback. These give you additional information not only about the product but its manufacturer as well.
Avoid products with so many negative reviews. If consumers aren’t happy with it, you probably won’t be either.
Is Marijuana Legal in Maine?
Yes, both medical and recreational marijuana is legal in Maine.
Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999. The state gives both registered and non-registered patients access to legal medical marijuana as long as they have either a valid medical card or a written certification from a certified medical provider.
As for recreational marijuana, it was legalized in 2016 but only began recreational sales in October 2020.
How Much Marijuana Can I Buy or Grow?
Medical marijuana patients are allowed to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces. They’re also allowed to cultivate no more than six mature plants.
Recreational users are allowed to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces. This could be in the form of usable marijuana or a combination of usable marijuana and no more than 5 grams of concentrate.
Recreational users can also grow and possess up to three mature plants, 12 immature plants, and an unlimited number of marijuana seedlings.
Is Smoking Marijuana Legal in Maine?
Yes, smoking marijuana is legal in Maine for both medical and recreational users.
However, smoking marijuana in public is strictly prohibited.
What are the Types of Marijuana Allowed in Maine?
The allowed forms of CBD as well as marijuana products in the state, include oils, tinctures, and concentrates as well as edibles, capsules, and topicals.
Smokable flowers are also allowed, as well as smoke-less methods such as vape.
When Did Maine Legalize Marijuana?
Maine legalized medical marijuana in 1999 and recreational marijuana in 2016. However, sales for recreational marijuana only began in October 2020.
The recreational sales industry is new and still has a tough time balancing demand and supply.
Recommended and Trusted CBD Retailers in Maine
CBD products, both hemp and marijuana-derived, are available in Maine. You can buy them in one of the state’s licensed dispensaries or online for convenience and more perks.
This guide also provided you with a list of the best CBD retailers in Maine. They have the highest ratings and several reviews.
Portland
- Wellness Connection of Maine — 4.1 stars
- Atlantic Farms — 4.6 stars
- Fire on Fore — 4.1 stars
Lewiston
- Strawberry Fields Apothecary — 4.8 stars
- Crystal Spring Healing Alternatives — 4.7 starts
- The Healing Community MEDCo— 4.7 stars
Bangor
- Acadia Cannabis Co — 4.4 stars
- Rock Steady Remedies — 4.7 stars
- Green Alien Cannabis — 4.5 stars
South Portland
- Grass Monkey Cannabis Company — 4.7 stars
- Beach Boys Cannabis Company — 4.5 stars
- SeeWeed Co. — 4.3 stars
Auburn
- Curaleaf ME Auburn — 4.3 stars
- Cure Cannabis Company — 4.5 stars
- Green Cures — 4.0 stars
Final Thoughts — Buying CBD in Maine
It’s legal to buy CBD oil in Maine, whether sourced from hemp or marijuana.
Hemp-derived CBD oils and other products are available to all residents in Maine. However, before buying one, always check if it’s derived from organic hemp and has a THC content that doesn’t exceed 0.3% to avoid legal problems.
Registered and non-registered patients are given access to marijuana-derived CBD products. You’ll need a medical card (registered patients) or a written certification from an authorized medical provider (non-registered patients) before buying medical marijuana.
Be extra cautious, though, when buying CBD oil. Know the manufacturer and always buy laboratory-tested CBD products from trusted brands. Lastly, read reviews and check customer feedback.
