Maine Officials Approve Ballot Initiative to End Adult-Use Cannabis Industry

Maine's election officials have taken a significant step by approving a ballot initiative that could potentially dismantle the state's adult-use cannabis industry, valued at approximately $250 million. This move allows proponents to begin collecting signatures to place the measure on the ballot. If successful, the initiative would not only end the adult-use market but also introduce stringent testing requirements for the medical cannabis sector, reflecting a broader shift in regulatory expectations

The initiative's approval marks the second citizen-led effort in New England to challenge the legal cannabis industry, following a similar campaign in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts initiative has reportedly gathered enough signatures to move forward, though it faces allegations of electoral misconduct. In Maine, the proposal must gather roughly 68,000 valid signatures from registered voters by early February to qualify for the ballot

If the initiative is approved by voters, Maine's adult-use cannabis industry would cease operations by January 1, 2028. Existing businesses would have the option to transition back to the medical marijuana market, where personal use and possession of up to 2.5 ounces would remain legal. However, the measure would impose new requirements on medical cannabis, mandating testing and compliance with track-and-trace protocols, which are not currently enforced in the state

The campaign is spearheaded by Colin Mack of Brunswick, though he has yet to comment publicly on the initiative. Meanwhile, Maine's cannabis industry continues to thrive, with annual sales at licensed adult-use stores and medical dispensaries nearing $244 million in 2024, and projections indicating that 2025 will see even higher figures. The state's adult-use cannabis was legalized in 2016, and this initiative represents a significant challenge to the existing legal framework