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ME LD1455

ME LD1455
An Act to Prevent Illegal Cannabis Growing Operations in the State


summary

Introduced
04/08/2025
In Committee
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/14/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill amends the definition of "disqualifying drug offense" in the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act and in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 28-B to provide that a conviction that occurred after October 1, 2025 related to the cultivation or distribution of cannabis that is not authorized in the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act or in Title 28-B is a disqualifying drug offense. It also provides that the Department of Administrative and Financial Services may not register or issue a registration certificate for cannabis to a facility or a person if the physical location of the facility or person is under investigation by state or federal law enforcement officers for the illegal cultivation or distribution of cannabis or was used by a person convicted of illegal cultivation or distribution of cannabis for those purposes. The Office of Cannabis Policy within the department may not issue a license under the Cannabis Legalization Act to an applicant proposing to operate licensed premises at a physical location that is under investigation by state or federal law enforcement officers for the illegal cultivation or distribution of cannabis or that was used by a person convicted of illegal cultivation or distribution of cannabis for those purposes.

AI Summary

This bill amends Maine's cannabis-related laws to strengthen regulations against illegal cannabis growing operations. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of "disqualifying drug offense" to include convictions related to unauthorized cannabis cultivation or distribution occurring on or after October 1, 2025. It prohibits the Department of Administrative and Financial Services from registering or issuing certificates to cannabis facilities or individuals if their physical location is either currently under investigation for illegal cannabis activities or was previously used for illegal cannabis cultivation by a convicted person. Similarly, the Office of Cannabis Policy is barred from issuing licenses to applicants proposing to operate at locations with a history of illegal cannabis activities. These provisions apply to both the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Legalization Act, effectively creating additional barriers for individuals or entities with a history of illegal cannabis operations to enter the legal cannabis market. The bill aims to prevent illegal cannabis growing operations by implementing stricter location and criminal history restrictions for cannabis-related registrations and licenses.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/14/2025)

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