Maine To Allow Cannabis Advertising And Deliveries To Commercial Locations

Republican Rep. David Boyer recently presented a new cannabis-related bill in Maine that would allow marijuana advertising and deliveries to take place in commercial locations throughout the state.

The bill was cosponsored by Democrat Reps. Craig Hickman, Benjamin T. Collings, Laura D. Supica, and Morgan J. Rielly.

The proposed measure was referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs in concurrence.

Bill Highlights 

• The bill proposes adding buildings being used for commercial purposes, including short-term rentals. It would also allow certain growers and product manufacturers to offer delivery services.
• Under the bill, marijuana businesses would be allowed to advertise under the same rules as alcohol and tobacco products and prescription drugs. The advertisements could include signs and logos promoting adult-use cannabis products on the exterior of motor vehicles.

Recent Cannabis Developments In Maine

Last year, adult-use marijuana retailers in Maine reported:

• About 2.5 million sales transactions, totaling $158.9 million,
• That's nearly double 2021’s sales of $82 million
• In 2022, the state also saw roughly $16 million in tax revenue.

More recently, Maine officials announced their opposition to allowing cannabis consumption at the same place where it's purchased. Lawmakers have been trying to amend the law following the legalization of recreational marijuana use in 2016.

A measure from Rep. Lynne Williams (D), which has bipartisan support, has reintroduced the concept of so-called social clubs. Under the proposed bill cannabis use would not be allowed in the shop, but in a separately designated space.

Maine’s Attorney General, highway safety bureau, and a director of the Office of Cannabis Policy, John Hudak have expressed their reservations on this piece of legislation. 

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Kindel Media on Pexels and Mihai_Andritoiu on Shutterstock