Maine Discloses List of Retail Marijuana Business Applicants

Maine has decided to make 200 retail marijuana business licenses available. So far, the state has received roughly 300 applicants. The licenses being applied for are for retail sales, cultivation and manufacturing.

Even family members of former Governor John Baldacci have applied for licenses, the Portland Press Herald says. The former Governor’s family are investors in a grow facility. Others with ties to the Marijuana Advisory Commission have also submitted applications.

The first set of 31 provisional licenses have been issued. These include licenses for marijuana retail locations, manufacturing facilities and cultivation facilities. Maine’s licensing process has 3 stages. One of those stages includes obtaining approval from local jurisdictions for the business to operate. That process alone can be lengthy.

Licenses to open won’t be available until testing labs are ready to start ensuring that products are safe. For now, only provisional licenses are being issued. Sales will not begin until enough adult use marijuana retailers are ready to open their doors to help prevent shortages.