Explore the Benefits of a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine
Last Updated October 9, 2024
Recreational marijuana is an appealing option in Maine. However, if you need cannabis to benefit your health, then getting a medical marijuana card is the best option.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What are the benefits of a medical marijuana card in Maine?
- What are the differences between medical and recreational marijuana in Maine?
- How do I get a medical marijuana card in Maine?
Some of the many reasons to get a medical marijuana card in a recreational state like Maine include:
- Access to cheaper marijuana
- Greater possession limits
- Growing more marijuana plants
- Preferential treatment from dispensaries
Quick Med Cards has helped thousands of patients in Maine get their medical cards. Their feedback on the benefits of a medical card was fundamental in writing this post. We also spent hours analyzing the Maine marijuana laws to compare medical vs recreational cannabis in the state. Let’s dive in!
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Maine Recreational Marijuana
Maine legalized recreational marijuana on November 8, 2016, when voters approved Question 1. In the process, it became the 8th state in the US to do so. However, it wasn’t until October 2020, four years later, that recreational sales officially began.
What were the results of the legalization of recreational weed in Maine?
- Adults aged 21 and older can lawfully possess limited amounts of cannabis.
- Mainers can grow cannabis for personal use.
- To date, there are 133 recreational dispensaries in Maine.
- Recreational marijuana sales in Maine hit $19,144, 646 in March 2024.
Yes, recreational marijuana is legal in Maine, but there are rules regulating consumption. For instance,
- Consuming cannabis in public is illegal.
- It is dangerous and unlawful to drive under the influence of marijuana. Moreover, it is illegal to consume cannabis in a vehicle.
Medical vs. Recreational Marijuana in Maine
Below are the key differences between medical and recreational marijuana in Maine:
Medical Marijuana:
- Legal for those aged 18 or older (or minors with parental consent).
- Available to patients with the approval of a Maine medical marijuana doctor.
- Transaction limit of up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana.
- Only sold in licensed medical marijuana dispensaries and caregiver retail stores.
- Not subject to the same level of taxation as recreational marijuana.
- Patients must provide a medical cannabis certification or med card to buy from Maine dispensaries.
- Allows home cultivation, at most six (6) mature cannabis plants.
Recreational Marijuana:
- Legal for adults aged 21 and older.
- The approval of a cannabis doctor is not required.
- The same transaction limit of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.
- Purchased from licensed retail dispensaries.
- Subject to sales and excise taxes.
- No specific ID card is required; a government-issued ID proving age is enough.
- Allows home cultivation of up to three (3) mature cannabis plants.
Reasons to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine
1. Medical Marijuana is Cheaper than Recreational
One of the benefits of obtaining a Maine medical marijuana card is access to cheaper marijuana.
Surprisingly, the price difference between the two is not as pronounced as in other states with both medical and recreational options. Often, marijuana taxes contribute heavily to the differences in cost.
Medical marijuana in Maine is subject to a 5.5% sales tax versus a 10% sales tax for recreational weed. Moreover, recreational marijuana is also subject to excise taxes.
The difference in price doesn’t seem like much when buying small amounts. However, the cost savings become more noticeable when purchasing larger quantities.
Marijuana taxes aren’t the only factor that makes medical marijuana cheaper. Medical cannabis dispensaries also give discounts regularly to consumers.
So, by having a medical card, you can take advantage of lower tax rates plus discounts provided by dispensaries and save on your MMJ costs.
2. Larger Marijuana Allotment
Possessing more marijuana than recreational consumers is another reason to get a medical card in Maine.
Both medical and recreational users are subject to the same transaction limit of 2.5 ounces of marijuana. However, medical consumers can legally have up to 8 ounces of harvested cannabis. This provision is not available to recreational users.
Maine marijuana laws set the recreational possession limit at 2.5 ounces. Or a combination of marijuana plus cannabis extract (not more than 5 grams), adding up to 2.5 ounces. But this limit is not expressly applied to cardholders.
3. Grow More Marijuana
Another upside of getting a medical marijuana card is being able to grow more marijuana at home than recreational users.
With a medical card, you or your caregiver can cultivate:
- Six (6) mature cannabis plants
- 12 immature cannabis plants,
- Unlimited seedlings
Meanwhile, recreational users aged 21 and over can grow:
- Three (3) mature cannabis plants
- 12 immature cannabis plants
- Unlimited seedlings
Growing more marijuana plants as a medical cannabis patient in Maine can offer several advantages. For instance:
- It offers a more personalized and reliable supply of medication.
- Your plants can save you money in the long run.
- It gives you control over the cultivation process. As a result, you can ensure your products are organic and pesticide-free, which is critical if you have sensitivities.
- Finally, it offers a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on external sources for your treatment.
While growing marijuana in Maine is legal, there are a few things to consider. For example, you’ll need to stick to the cultivation limits set by the state. Secondly, ensure you grow your plants in your private residence or with the property owner’s consent. Finally, you must keep your plants in a secure location, away from public view.
4. More Potent Marijuana Strains and Products
Your Maine medical marijuana card gives you access to more potent marijuana.
Recreational cannabis is perfect for leisure and fun. But may not be the best at managing chronic medical conditions. Conversely, MMJ products are specially cultivated, formulated, and tested to treat certain conditions. So, it will be easier for a cardholder in Maine to get a hold of a marijuana strain that effectively provides relief.
Besides potency, patients can access many cannabis products that may not be well-suited for recreational use. Nebulizers, topicals, and suppositories are all examples of marijuana that can ease patients’ symptoms.
So, by getting a Maine med card, you can discover these unique and potent medical cannabis options.
5. No Age Restriction for Medical Marijuana
A Maine medical card gives young adults below 21 access to medical cannabis.
The age limit for adult-use cannabis in Maine is 21. As an adult experiencing a chronic condition, waiting until you reach 21 for cannabis may not be the best option. The Maine medical marijuana card ensures you can access MMJ and enjoy its health benefits at any age.
Even minors in Maine can access medical marijuana. Some children suffer from diseases unresponsive to conventional treatments. And in such cases, medical cannabis can be an option. Of course, their parents or legal guardians must consent to their cannabis treatment. Also, the parent or legal guardian must act as the child’s caregiver. It is worth noting, however, that minors cannot access smokable marijuana as part of their treatment plan.
6. Special Treatment from Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Maine
A Maine medical card gives patients the convenience of medical-only dispensaries.
Currently, there are 55 medical marijuana dispensaries in Maine. These dispensaries only serve patients with a Maine medical marijuana card. As a result, cardholders don’t have to worry about the long lines typical of recreational dispensaries.
Quick service isn’t the only perk of Maine medical marijuana dispensaries. The medical dispensary agents are also experienced and knowledgeable. So, patients can expect personalized and professional care to optimize their cannabis regimen.
Additionally, Maine medical marijuana dispensaries offer exclusive promotions and provisions to patients.
7. Doctors’ Recommendations
Having the guidance of a physician is one of the most worthwhile benefits of the Maine medical marijuana card.
Getting a medical card in Maine requires a certification from a licensed cannabis doctor. During the certification process, the healthcare practitioner does more than evaluate your eligibility for MMJ. Also, they personalize your treatment plan. It may include recommendations on strains, dosages, and administration methods.
The guidance provided during your certification process is integral to your recovery, as you’ll have a doctor who understands your condition.
Our doctors at Quick Med Cards are compassionate and have a wealth of experience in cannabis treatment. Additionally, they are committed to helping patients like you on your wellness journey.
By getting a medical card in Maine, you can get professional medical advice necessary for your recovery.
8. Patient Support and Resources
Finally, your Maine medical card ensures you receive the support of the state’s medical marijuana program–the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Program (MMCP).
Getting a Maine medical card means you are part of the MMCP. It means being part of a supportive network for registered patients. The responsibilities of the MMCP go beyond the oversight of medical cannabis in the state. It also guides and supports registered patients.
Key Takeaways
- Medical marijuana is cheaper than recreational cannabis due to lower taxes and dispensary discounts.
- Medical cardholders can possess up to 8 ounces of cannabis.
- Medical users can grow up to six mature cannabis plants.
- The Maine medical card gives you access to more potent and diverse cannabis products.
- There is no age restriction for medical marijuana access.
- Cardholders can expect priority service and exclusive promotions at Maine medical dispensaries.
- Cardholders benefit from the professional guidance from cannabis doctors.
Conclusion
To recap, the benefits of a cannabis card in Maine include:
- Lower priced marijuana
- Larger cannabis allocation
- Increased cultivation limits
- More potent cannabis options
- No age restrictions
- Preferential treatment from medical-only dispensaries
- Guidance of an experienced healthcare professional
- Access to patient support and resources
Undoubtedly, recreational cannabis is suitable for leisure and is easily accessible if you are above 21. Then again, medical marijuana is more effective when you need cannabis to treat a chronic medical condition. Holders of a Maine medical marijuana card have a clear advantage over recreational users. One could argue that the medical card is the key that unlocks the complete benefits of legal weed in Maine.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Maine
Getting a medical marijuana card in Maine is easy. Unlike other states, there are no qualifying conditions that you must have to receive a medical card. All you need to do is consult a licensed medical marijuana doctor in Maine who will determine if cannabis could benefit your current health.
That’s it! This streamlined process makes it simple for any Maine resident to take advantage of the benefits of medical cannabis.
Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and fastest way to get your medical marijuana card wherever you are in Maine. We support telemedicine appointments. So, you do not even have to make a trip to the doctor’s office. You can consult with one of our Maine medical marijuana doctors over video call and get your MMCP certification in minutes.
Speak with Our Medical Marijuana Doctor Today
Same-day appointments available.
Questions about the Benefits of a Maine Medical Marijuana Card
Do you have more questions about the benefits of a cannabis card in Maine? You may find the answers below.
Do you need a medical card for weed in Maine?
No. Recreational marijuana is legal in Maine for adults aged 21 and above. So, a government-issued ID is all you need to show at the dispensary. The dispensary agents will confirm your age, and you can buy adult-use marijuana. Still, a Maine medical card or cannabis certification is necessary to purchase medical-grade marijuana.
Can you smoke weed in Maine?
Yes. You can smoke weed in Maine as long as you are on private property. It is illegal to smoke marijuana in public. Also, minors enrolled with the Maine Medical Cannabis Use Program (MMCP) cannot use smokable cannabis.
Can Maine employers test for weed?
Yes. Maine employers can test for weed as part of their drug-free workplace policy. Still, a positive marijuana test may not be enough to discipline an employee or disqualify an applicant. Nonetheless, employers can still take action against employees who are intoxicated during work hours and those who use marijuana on the job.
How much marijuana can you buy in Maine?
You can buy at most 2.5 ounces of marijuana per transaction in Maine, whether you are a medical or recreational user.
Is there weed delivery in Maine?
Yes. You can request marijuana delivery to your private residence in Maine. And you can do so even if your municipality does not allow adult-use stores within your community. However, remember that you cannot pay for your order online. Instead, you’ll have to pay in person after the dispensary employee verifies your age and identity.