Medical Marijuana Caregivers in Maine Flourish as Patient Numbers Grow

Maine’s medical marijuana caregivers mostly began in small basements and garages, but as demand for medical marijuana across the state increases, several caregivers are moving into commercial buildings.

Across Maine, the number of caregivers has grown from 750 in 2011 to almost 3,000 today, according to Portland Press Herald. Each licensed caregiver in Maine is permitted to grow medical marijuana for up to 5 patients. Caregivers are working to meet the demands of their patients, and are also working on being able to serve more patients.

Caregivers are keeping lists of revolving patients. Some caregivers are planning to move into the recreational marijuana industry if voters approve Question 1 in November. Moving to larger facilities is in part preparation for that transition for some caregivers. One benefit of Question 1 is that 40-percent of the available licenses have to go to small-scale growers.

Caregiver Paul McCarrier said, “What we’ve seen over the past six years is the recognition that caregivers are legitimate small businesses in Maine. Caregivers are spending their supply money with local vendors and bringing money into their communities when patients are coming into those towns. With the legitimization of these small farms, local municipalities have seen their tax bases increase. Formerly vacant buildings are filled with a new, vibrant industry.”

Since the inception of Maine’s medical marijuana program, the number of people employed by caregivers has increased by 493-percent to 158 active registered employees. The state also has 2,726 licensed growers, which is up 80-percent from three years ago.

Caregivers in Maine are permitted a salary of $24,000 – $50,000 per year. Each caregiver is permitted to charge up to $250 per ounce of medical marijuana and can sell up to 5-ounces to each patient per month. There is a gray area that allows caregivers to have revolving slots so that patients work with a caregiver for a set amount of time, which is how some caregivers are able to serve more than 5 patients.

Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine executive director, Kim Printy said, “This was a coping mechanism for a lot of those caregivers because they could not sustain their businesses with just five patients. It’s a gray area. They’re operating like a dispensary and getting away with it.”

Many caregivers keep 4 long term patients with their 5^th slot being for revolving patients. The state estimates that there are about 48,000 patients statewide.