A proposal to give marijuana cultivation facilities more time to pay their excise taxes has passed both chambers of the Maine Legislature and is expected to be sent soon to Governor Janet Mills.
The measure, LD 1654, was introduced by Representative David Boyer and backed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. It would ease a key financial pressure on licensed cultivators by extending the time they have to remit excise taxes from 30 days to 120 days following a sale to another licensed marijuana business.
Under current law, cultivators must file monthly tax returns and pay excise taxes on product transfers made during the previous month. The new bill changes that requirement, giving growers four months to complete their tax payments after a sale. If the cultivator also holds another cannabis license—such as a retail or manufacturing license—the 120-day period begins when the marijuana is transferred or when certain licensed activities occur.
Supporters of the bill say the change reflects the real-world financial timelines many growers face, particularly in cases where payment is delayed or revenue is staggered. The bill would give cultivators greater financial flexibility while continuing to operate within the state’s adult-use marijuana system.
