A newly filed bill in Maine would expand medical marijuana access for seniors and veterans by eliminating the need for a doctor’s certification.
House Bill 929, introduced today by a group of seven lawmakers—including five Democrats, a Republican, and an Independent—has been referred to the Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee for further consideration.
The measure proposes allowing individuals aged 65 and older, as well as veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, to qualify as medical marijuana patients under the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act without requiring a written certification from a healthcare provider. If enacted, this would remove a key barrier to access, allowing these groups to obtain medical marijuana without going through the typical approval process.
Supporters argue that the bill recognizes the needs of older residents and veterans, many of whom may already use marijuana for pain relief and other health concerns. By eliminating the certification requirement, the measure could make it easier for those who may face difficulties obtaining a doctor’s recommendation, whether due to cost, accessibility, or other reasons.
Although recreational marijuana is legal in Maine, patients don’t have to pay the state’s 10% marijuana excise tax.
