Summer 2025 – Cannabis-related Legislation Update – First Regular and Special Sessions of the 132nd Legislature / Supplemental Instructions for Accessing and Using the Metrc Industry Sandbox / Guidance to Clarify Existing Requirements for Different Adult Use Cannabis & Cannabis Product Sample Types

Recent Guidance

Cannabis-related Legislation Update – First Regular and Special Sessions of the 132nd Legislature (Medical & Adult Use)
The Maine Legislature adjourned sine die Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This guidance is provided by the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) to update Maine’s cannabis program participants on the status of cannabis-related legislation passed during the First Regular and First Special Sessions of the 132nd Legislature. Read more.

Supplemental Instructions for Accessing and Using the Metrc Industry Sandbox (Adult Use)
Maine’s adult use cannabis inventory tracking vendor, Metrc, recently announced the availability of a new Metrc Industry Sandbox. OCP developed these instructions to ensure that Maine licensees are aware of this new functionality and to supplement the bulletin provided by Metrc. Read more.

Guidance to Clarify Existing Requirements for Different Adult Use Cannabis & Cannabis Product Sample Types (Adult Use)
This guidance clarifies the existing requirements for different adult use cannabis and cannabis product samples. This includes consumer, employee, trade, and R&D samples and the approved products, product quantities, distribution limits, and other requirements applicable to each. Read more.
News & Updates

OCP to Soon Accept Debit and Credit Card Payments
The Office is pleased to announce that starting this fall, program participants will be able to use debit and credit cards when making payments to OCP. Stay tuned for additional information and guidance in the coming weeks!

Lessons from Licensing

Licensees and registrants are reminded that they can use the State of Maine licensing search tool to verify that a prospective employee’s IIC or RIC has not been revoked or suspended. This tool can also be used to verify that a licensee or registrant has valid and active credentials before purchasing from or selling to them.

Compliance Corner

Adult use licensees are reminded that no later than November 6, 2025, all labels on cannabis and cannabis products sold to consumers must display the updated warning statement required by the Compliance Rules for Adult Use Cannabis Establishments, 18-691 CMR, ch. 30. More information was provided last October in OCP’s “Final Adoption and Implementation of New Rules Governing the Adult Use Cannabis Program” guidance.

By the Numbers – Adult Use Sales Data

OCP’s Data Team analyzed Maine adult use cannabis retail sales trends during the week of 4/20 (4/15-4/21) from 2023 to 2025. Key findings include:

2025 sales were roughly the same as 2024, but up 18% since 2023.
Average per-location sales, however, are down 16% since 2023. Decreased per-transaction sales and market saturation from increased retail locations statewide have outpaced growth in other metrics.
Friday and Saturday were consistently higher selling days in both 2024 and 2025, regardless of when 4/20 happens to fall on a given year.

Access more of Maine’s 4/20 adult use sales data here

Team OCP – Meet Barry

Barry Schmieks joined the OCP team in September 2024. Barry shared that he thrives on the daily challenges presented by his role as a Field Investigator Supervisor. His strong people skills have been especially valuable in his work, helping him navigate interactions with the public effectively.

A native of Auburn, ME, Barry’s background includes an extensive career in law enforcement, having served with the Auburn Police Department for 24 years before retiring as a Lieutenant. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife.

Municipal Reminders

Did you know that OCP provides information on its website regarding the adult use opt-in status of communities throughout Maine? See here.

While every effort has been made to independently confirm this information, we know that changes are regularly being made across the state. To let OCP know of any gaps or inaccuracies in the data listed for your town, or to add your town to the list, please complete this form.