Medical marijuana was first legalized in Maine in late 1999. This made Maine the fourth state to legalize MMJ in the US. The state would go on to legalize recreational marijuana in 2016, following the passing of the Marijuana Legalization Act.
It took some time for recreational sales to begin in Maine, due in part to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first recreational dispensaries opening their doors to the public in October 2020.
Despite recreational cannabis being legal in Maine, there are still many unique benefits and perks of becoming a medical marijuana patient. Specifically:
- MMJ patients do not pay excise taxes on marijuana sales,
- MMJ patients enjoy fewer limitations on cannabis cultivation,
- MMJ patients have access to the network of caregivers found in Maine.
Currently, there are over 250 dispensaries in the state, giving medical and recreational consumers a wide array of options when purchasing cannabis.
How Do I Get a Medical Card in Maine?
Like many cannabis-friendly states, Maine makes it easy to enroll in the state MMJ program and become a medical patient.
1.) Obtain a medicinal cannabis evaluation by a state-licensed doctor
First and foremost, you'll need a medical evaluation (and certification) to become an MMJ patient in Maine. Using the NuggMD telemedicine platform, you can be evaluated in Maine online and from the comfort of your home with no risk to you (you only pay if you're approved)!
2.) Wait for your evaluating physician to mail your MMJ certification
Once you've been approved for MMJ use, your evaluating physician will ship your certification to the Maine medical marijuana program. You will also receive a copy in the mail.
3.) Use your MMJ certification at a Maine cannabis dispensary
You're good to go as soon as you receive your Maine MMJ certification! With your med card in hand, you're allowed to visit any ME dispensary to purchase medical marijuana products.
While recreational marijuana is legal in Maine, medical patients have greater access to cannabis products. They are also exempt from Maine's 10% excise tax on recreational cannabis sales.
How Do I Renew My Maine Med Card?
MMJ licenses in Maine are valid for one year. The renewal process is the same as your initial registration. However, we recommend that you try to renew your ME med card within 30 days of your current card's expiration date. This gives the state plenty of time to process your renewal, so you can avoid any potential lapses in your patient status.
To renew, you’ll need to be re-evaluated by a qualified physician in the state of Maine.
Who Is Eligible for a Medical Cannabis Card in Maine?
Anyone that has lived in Maine for over a month and is registered with the state MMJ program is eligible to purchase medical marijuana in the state.
Minors are allowed to become med patients in Maine. However, their patient status must first be approved by a consulting physician alongside their evaluating physician. In addition, minor patients must also have one of their parents or guardians serve as their primary caregiver.
What Conditions Qualify to Get a Maine Medical Card?
Unlike many other states, there is no definitive list of qualifying medical conditions in Maine. Instead, it is at the discretion of the evaluating physician to determine if a patient would benefit (and, therefore, should be certified) from medicinal cannabis treatments.
Tips to Find a Maine Medical Marijuana Practitioner
Some Maine patients may not be able to find an evaluating physician in their local area. As a result, they may find themselves in situations where they need to drive long distances or wait up to two months for their medical marijuana evaluations.
Thankfully, Maine patients can easily connect with state-licensed doctors on NuggMD without ever having to leave their living rooms!
Evaluations on NuggMD are entirely remote, thanks to our industry-leading telemedicine platform. So long as ME residents have access to their medical records and an internet connection, they can be certified for MMJ use quickly, privately, and from the comfort of their own home. These may include:
- Patient charts
- Current prescriptions
- Physical therapy records
- Medical test results
- Hospital records
To get started, all you need to do is visit NuggMD Maine.
How to Get Approved Online for a Maine Medical Card
Remote medical marijuana evaluations work in the same way as an in-person examination. Here's how the process works with NuggMD:
- Sign up on NuggMD
Complete a 30-second questionnaire, upload all available medical records, and choose your payment method (you’re only charged if you are approved for medical cannabis).
- Connect with your evaluating physician
Spend a few minutes in our private virtual waiting room. Once your evaluating physician has an opportunity to review your medical records, you’ll be connected for a secure one-on-one evaluation.
- Wait for your MMJ certification to be processed by the Maine medical marijuana program and your certificate mailed to you.
Your doctor will submit your certification to the state’s medical cannabis program. Your certificate will be mailed to you once you’re approved. You’re then eligible to begin shopping for medical cannabis at one of the state’s approved dispensaries.
And that's it!
What to Expect In Your Maine Medical Marijuana Evaluation
Your virtual evaluation with NuggMD will work just like a traditional physical examination. Your evaluating physician on NuggMD will ask about your medical history, symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as any medications or medical treatments you are currently on.
We recommend uploading your medical records to help give your doctor as much information as possible, allowing you to get more out of your evaluation (and to do so faster).
If you have any questions about medical marijuana, using cannabis as a treatment method, or the condition for which you’re seeking treatment, we suggest you write them down beforehand so you remember to ask your doctor.
Don't be afraid to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your NuggMD doctor. They are there for your benefit and are always happy to help!
Learn More About How to Get Your Med Card in Maine
If you have additional questions, visit our complete Maine medical cannabis FAQs or check out one of our other Maine-specific patient resources.
- Maine Cannabis Laws & Regulations
- Maine Patient Guide
- Qualifying Conditions in Maine
- Benefits of Getting a Med Card in Maine
- How to Become a Caregiver in Maine
If you need any extra help, you can always reach out to the customer service team at NuggMD! Our support staff is always willing to help you with any questions or concerns you may be having about medical marijuana treatments.
We know the evaluation and registration process can feel overwhelming or confusing. Luckily, our customer service team answers hundreds of inquiries every day. They've got the experience to help you overcome any stumbling blocks you might encounter along the way.
NuggMD has helped over 2,000,000 patients connect with their medical marijuana doctor from the comfort of home since 2016.
