Bill > LD903

This bill amends existing laws regarding cannabis advertising and marketing for both medical and adult-use cannabis establishments in Maine, significantly restricting how these businesses can promote themselves. The legislation allows cannabis dispensaries, caregivers, and licensed establishments to maintain only very limited marketing activities, which include establishing a basic website with general information about location and hours, being listed in business directories, and displaying signs on their own premises. These signs are subject to strict regulations, such as prohibitions on being misleading, appealing to persons under 21, making health claims, or being located within 1,000 feet of schools. The bill removes previous broad advertising guidelines and replaces them with more specific, restrictive provisions that essentially eliminate most traditional marketing strategies. The Office of Cannabis Policy is granted authority to review and potentially approve voluntary sign submissions from cannabis businesses, ensuring compliance with the new, narrow advertising guidelines. By dramatically reducing potential marketing channels, the bill aims to minimize cannabis product exposure, particularly to younger audiences, while still allowing businesses minimal ways to inform potential customers about their basic existence and offerings.

Military Affairs and Security

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=903&snum=132