August 8th & 9th, 2026

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LD 1847, a bill proposing mandatory testing and tracking for Maine’s medical cannabis program, is currently in a contested phase after moving through the Legislature with multiple competing versions. The Hickman amendment, introduced by Craig Hickman, was not brought forward and never voted in the House. Instead, the House adopted the Boyer “Ought Not to Pass” position, rejecting the bill. In the Senate, the Hickman amendment was the only version taken up and passed; however, it was immediately tabled by Sen. Hickman for further amendment. The amendment was not returned for a vote before adjournment. As a result, it was never sent back to the House for reconsideration.

Importantly, the original version of LD 1847 was met with widespread opposition from across Maine’s medical cannabis community. A broad coalition of stakeholders, including caregivers, dispensaries, patients, and members of the adult-use sector, came together in a unified effort to push back on the bill as initially written. The Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine trade association was one of many voices involved, joining alongside industry leaders and advocates who worked collectively to raise concerns and educate policymakers.

This unified response was especially visible during a State House protest rally organized by Lizzy Hayes and Mark Barnett, which drew one of the largest turnouts the medical cannabis community has seen in recent years. The level of engagement throughout the legislative session demonstrated just how deeply Mainers care about protecting patient access and maintaining a system that has safely served patients since 2010. While there is shared support for ensuring clean, safe products and removing bad actors from the supply chain, the proposed mandatory testing framework was widely viewed as overregulation—introducing significant costs and barriers for providers and patients alike. Moving forward, stakeholders, including MMCM, are expected to continue working collaboratively to develop more balanced, practical solutions that reflect the needs and realities of Maine’s medical cannabis program.

MMCM is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3). In 2010, MMCM was the first volunteer trade association organized in the United States that dedicated itself to the support and promotion of safe access to Medical Cannabis. MMCM continues to advocate for patient rights and access to safe, quality, cannabis medicines and the caregivers, storefronts, growers, and extractors who provide for them. MMCM also developed a training program for those who wish to participate in Maines Medical Cannabis Programs to help them stay in compliance and to promote safe practices.

Educate-Advocate and Legislate is our mission

In 1999, Maine became the fifth state in the country to legalize cannabis for medicinal use.

Voters then passed a Citizens Medical Cannabis Initiative in 2009 allowing patients who have a doctor’s certification to purchase medicinal cannabis from a registered caregiver or dispensary.

Following the passage of this Medical Cannabis Initiative, MMCM was formed as a Trade Association in 2010 to provide advocacy and education for patients, caregivers, and the public.

While implementing the Citizens Initiative, the Maine Legislature made major changes before passing it into law in 2010, including a ban on outdoor cultivation, removal of legal protections for patients, and requiring all patients be registered with the State.

In response to these dramatic changes, MMCM became active at the State House and put forth LD1296 & in 2011 the intentions of the Citizens Initiative were restored.

MMCM continued to work to improve Maine’s Medical Cannabis Laws and the Maine Medical Program became voted “the best in the country” by Americans for Safe Access.

MMCM developed an education program to teach the Maine Medical Cannabis Laws to patients, caregivers and others interested in the Program. The best business practices were the second class started to ensure compliance with the Medical Cannabis Program, Taxes and Labor Laws.

In 2017 MMCM Drafted LD1539 & LD238. This omnibus Bill opened the Maine Medical Cannabis Program for Caregivers to open Retail store fronts so medical patients would have more access to medical Cannabis. The Processors and growers in the state having the ability to grow more cannabis and produce a variety of products that are available to patients, and in the 2017-2018 128th Legislator session MMCM was diligently working with State Legislators and Lobbyist at the State house, and our presence and voice got these bills Passed! This is the Law that we are currently operating under today.

State Officials, Legislatures and Lobbyists for other interests pushing legislation and rules that go against the intent of the people, patients, and providers in our Maine Medical Cannabis Program.

Through education, drafting legislation, lobbying, and mobilizing efforts, MMCM and our wider community members have been, and will continue to be instrumental in defending the medical program during this time of change as cannabis is: “legalized”.