Maine&medical&marijuana&—&Information&forPatients

Maine medical marijuana -- Information for Patients

Maine's current medical marijuana laws were enacted in 2009 with occasional updates since then. Summarized below are topics from the Maine regulations with relevance for certified patients.

Rights. The physician certificate you receive gives you specific rights. The most important right is the one allowing you to use marijuana legally, without fear of legal retaliation or harassment, within the privacy of your own home. This right also permits you to grow a limited amount of marijuana for your own use and to own equipment and supplies needed for the cultivation and personal medical use of marijuana. These rights come with certain limits that are spelled out below.

Harm and benefit. Marijuana carries both potential benefit and harm. Medical research has shown that marijuana provides relief from many of the symptoms associated with the diseases that Maine includes in its list of qualifying conditions. However, research also has shown that marijuana can become addictive, worsen depression, and impair judgment. The intoxicating effects of marijuana can be dangerous for patients who are operating machinery, driving vehicles, or performing other physically demanding tasks.

No insurance coverage. At this time, certification, purchase, and other associated costs of medical marijuana are not covered by medical insurance.

Nondiscrimination rules. Certification for use of medical marijuana may not be used as grounds for discrimination. Specifically, the state prohibits schools, employers, or landlords from refusing to enroll, employ, or rent to patients who are certified to use medical marijuana. However, schools, employers, and landlords may prohibit patients from actually using or cultivating marijuana at their locations.

Identification requirements. Certified patients may be required to show proof of their certification and identification to law enforcement officials. This requirement is met by showing (1) a valid Maine driver's license or official state--issued photo identification along with (2) a Maine physician certification form or a Maine medical marijuana wallet card. Therefore, patients who are using medical marijuana should carry both these forms of identification.

Maine MMJ Patient Handout

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Specific prohibitions. Maine law prohibits certified patients from operating any kind of vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Certified patients also are not allowed to smoke marijuana in public places or on public transportation. Finally, certified patients are not allowed to use or possess medical marijuana in schools, school buses, or correctional facilities.

Use and purchasing limits. Physician certification for medical marijuana use allows patients to purchase and carry up to 2 ? ounces of medical marijuana from an approved state dispensary every 15 days. Part of this limit is met if patients grow their own plants. Patients may also grow all of their own marijuana instead of purchasing it from a dispensary. The state limits patients to growing up to six mature female plants at one time.

Alternatively, patients may designate a caregiver to grow plants for them. This option requires a separate state application. It also removes patients' rights to purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries or grow plants for themselves.

Dispensaries. Eight state--approved dispensaries sell marijuana to certified patients. The closest dispensary to this clinic is the Wellness Connection at 149 New County Road, Thomaston (phone: 370--4833). The clinic is in the same building as Fastenal, across business Route 1 from Lowe's.

Patients can only purchase medical marijuana from one state dispensary at a time. Cost of medical marijuana is about $300/ounce, with hardship discounts.

Who we are. We are available to answer your questions. Contact us for further information.

Maine MMJ Physician Services 49 Main Street Damariscotta, ME 04543

Website: maine-- Email: service@maine-- Phone: (800) 563--1531

Maine MMJ Patient Handout

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List of Maine state--licensed nonprofit dispensaries

Name

Town and address

Canuvo

Biddeford: 6 Wellspring Road

Telephone

(207) 346--1316

Maine Organic Ellsworth: 9 Carriage Road Therapy

(888) 360--0650

Wellness Connection Brewer: 221 Dirigo Drive

Portland: 685 Congress Street

Augusta/ Hallowell: 115 Water Street, Hallowell

Rockland/Thomaston: 149 New County Road, Thomaston

(855) 848--6740

(for all locations)

Safe Alternatives Frenchville: 497 Rt.1

(207) 834--7567

Remedy Compassion Auburn: 730 Center St., Suite 1--C, Auburn Plaza

(800) 809--1464

List of Maine private caregivers available from Compassionate Caregivers of Maine. Phone (866) 327--4559. Website .

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