Campbell Law Office 919 Ridge Road Bowdoinham, ME 04008 Phone:(207) 666-5601 abc@207legal.com
Maine Marijuana Laws
Maine Marijuana Laws Compared
The graphs below represents how lenient or strict the marijuana laws are in your state compared to Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut. This determination is based on level of enforcement, weight limits, fines and/or time imprisoned. This determination is also based on how strict penalties are for repeat offenders and proximity to certain drug restricted areas such as school zones and public parks.
Maine
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Connecticut
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Hawaii
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Washington
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Medical Use of Marijuana
Medical Use of Marijuana
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is at least 18 years of age may lawfully possess a usable amount of marijuana for medical use if, at the time of that possession, the person has available an authenticated copy of a medical record or other written documentation from a physician, demonstrating that. Fine: None Imprisonment: None
Medical Use of Marijuana (Under 18)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who is at least 18 years of age may lawfully possess a usable amount of marijuana for medical use if, at the time of that possession, the person has available an authenticated copy of a medical record or other written documentation from a physician, demonstrating that. In addition, must have available a signed written authorization from that person's parent or legal guardian consenting to that person's medical use of marijuana.
Fine: None Imprisonment: None
Civil Violations
Unlawful possession of marijuana (less than 1.25 ounces)
Any person who possesses a usable amount of less than 1.25 ounces of marijuana. Fine: $350 to $600 Imprisonment: None
Unlawful possession of marijuana (2nd or Subsequent Offense)
Any person who possesses a usable amount of less than 1.25 ounces of marijuana with a second or subsequent offense within 6 years of the prior offense.
Fine: $550 Imprisonment: None
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Any drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, or repack the marijuana.
Fine: $300 Imprisonment: None
Note: The unlawful possession by any person of 1.25 or more ounces of marijuana shall be prima facie evidence that the person possessed the marijuana with the intent to sell or transfer it.
Misdemeanors
Cultivation of Marijuana (5 plants or less)
The person intentionally or knowingly grows or cultivates 5 plants or less of marijuana
Fine: Up to $1,000 Imprisonment: None
Cultivation of Marijuana (5 to 100 plants)
The person intentionally or knowingly grows or cultivates 5 to 100 plants of marijuana.
Fine: Up to $2,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana (1 lbs. or less)
Involving the sale of marijuana with a weight of 1 pound or less.
Fine: Up to $2,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Sale of drug paraphernalia
The sale of any drug paraphernalia used to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, or repack any marijuana. Fine: Up to $1,000 Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
Sale of drug paraphernalia to a minor
The sale of any drug paraphernalia to a minor used to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, or repack any marijuana. Fine: Up to $2,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Note: The unlawful possession by any person of 1.25 or more ounces of marijuana shall be prima facie evidence that the person possessed the marijuana with the intent to sell or transfer it.
Felonies
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana (1 to 20 lbs.) Involving the sale of marijuana with a weight of 1 to 20 pounds. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana (20 or more lbs.) Involving the sale of marijuana with a weight of 20 pounds or more. Fine: Up to $20,000 Imprisonment: up to 10 years
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana to Minor or restricted zone. A person is guilty of unlawful sale to a minor when they knowingly induce, assist, or cause a minor to engage in illegal purchasing of marijuana. Also applies to unlawful sale of marijuana within one thousand feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, public park, public swimming pool, public recreation center, or on a marked school bus. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
Cultivation of Marijuana (100 to 500 plants)
The person intentionally or knowingly grows or cultivates 100 to 500 plants of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
Cultivation of Marijuana (more than 500 plants)
The person intentionally or knowingly grows or cultivates more than 500 plants of marijuana. Fine: Up to $20,000 Imprisonment: Up to 10 year
United States Marijuana Arrest Trends
The graphs below represent the trends in marijuana arrests from 1990 to 2005 in the United States. With the higher amount of arrests also comes tens and billions of more dollars spent on enforcement, adjudication, and imprisonment for marijuana related offenses.
Source
Maine Revised Statutes
Title 17-A, Chapter 45: DRUGS
FBI Uniform Crimes Report
All copyrights and other rights to statutory text are reserved by the State of Maine. The text included in this publication reflects changes made through the First Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature, and is current through December 31, 2007, but is subject to change without notice. It is a version that has not been officially certified by the Secretary of State. Refer to the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated and supplements for certified text.
