A bipartisan group of nine Maine lawmakers has introduced a bill that would allow the creation of licensed medical marijuana farmers’ markets.
Filed today, House Bill 1559 was referred to the Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. The measure is sponsored by State Representative Chapman of Auburn and cosponsored by Senators Bickford of Androscoggin and Hickman of Kennebec, along with Representatives Bishop of Bucksport, Boyer of Poland, Eder of Waterboro, Fredericks of Sanford, Lance of Paris, and Supica of Bangor.
If passed into law, the bill would authorize the Office of Cannabis Policy to license medical marijuana farmers’ markets, defined as buildings or spaces where registered caregivers and dispensaries can sell cannabis products directly to qualified patients. These markets would also allow onsite consumption by patients who purchase products.
The legislation lays out strict guidelines for licensing, security, patient verification, and local government approval. Among the requirements are clear separation of sale and consumption areas, collection of sales tax, and compliance with local ordinances. Municipalities would retain the right to prohibit or regulate these markets within their jurisdictions.
The bill also requires the Office of Cannabis Policy to adopt rules governing the licensing and operation of these markets by January 9, 2026. These rules are categorized as “major substantive,” requiring legislative approval before they take effect.
If enacted, Maine would become one of the first states to explicitly license and regulate medical marijuana farmers’ markets, potentially offering more direct access for patients and new opportunities for caregivers and dispensaries.
