Maine’s Retail Marijuana Dispensaries Expected to Open in 2019

Providing that the state approves rules for the recreational marijuana industry during this legislative session in Maine, retail stores could be open by the end of the year. Applications are being accepted again to help the state with the rulemaking process. Bids are due by February 14.

Even with the passed 82-page plan in 2018, LePage’s veto set things back a bit and there are still things to sort out, WMTW 8 News says. The new contractor will be responsible for reviewing what lawmakers approved in 2018. From here, appropriate regulations, labeling/packaging procedures and other rules will need to be written.

Every community in the state has to “opt-in” to be able to allow recreational sales. Those that choose to opt-out will not have any legal marijuana establishments within their communities.

Governor Janet Mills says that the timeline for getting the program up and running is this fall.