The cannabis industry in Maine has rapidly expanded since the legalization of recreational sales five years ago, now approaching a valuation of nearly $500 million. As the number of cannabis storefronts increases across urban and rural areas, some municipalities are taking measures to regulate this burgeoning market.
Recently, Presque Isle, located in northern Maine, enacted a moratorium on new cannabis business licenses for up to 12 months. The city aims to review its local ordinances in response to the growing number of marijuana enterprises. Similarly, Turner in Androscoggin County implemented a moratorium in November 2023, citing significant police activity related to a local cultivation facility, which has seen 25 police incidents, including a homicide, over a three-year period. Livermore Falls is also considering a similar moratorium while it deliberates on potential restrictions.
An analysis of licensing data from the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy reveals trends in cannabis business distribution across the state. The data categorizes cannabis businesses as those licensed for cultivation, manufacturing, or retail sales, including both medical and adult-use programs. Out of nearly 1,800 licensed entities, approximately 1,344 are caregivers operating under the medical use program, primarily serving qualified patients.
Portland, Maine’s largest city, leads the state with a total of 71 cannabis businesses. Other populous centers such as Auburn, Bangor, and Sanford follow closely behind. Notably, Berwick, a small town with a population of fewer than 8,000, stands out with 32 cannabis businesses, including six retail locations and 26 cultivation or manufacturing facilities. Berwick’s proximity to New Hampshire, where recreational cannabis remains illegal, may contribute to its high number of licensed businesses.
Moro Plantation, a community in southern Aroostook with just 44 residents, boasts the highest number of cannabis businesses per capita, primarily comprised of three caregiver cultivation facilities. To provide a clearer picture of cannabis business distribution, this analysis also filtered data to focus on towns with populations of at least 1,500 and 5,000 residents. Among smaller towns, Parsonsfield, located on the New Hampshire border, has one cannabis business for every 89 residents, totaling 20 businesses, including 19 caregiver cultivation licenses and one adult-use store. Livermore Falls, with 12 businesses in a population of 3,000, also features prominently in this category.
In larger communities, both Berwick and Turner have the highest number of cannabis licenses, with Lebanon and New Gloucester not far behind. Presque Isle ranks 30th on the list, positioned between Portland and other notable towns like Bangor, Westbrook, and Brunswick.
As municipalities navigate the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, local governments are faced with balancing economic opportunities against community safety and concerns. The ongoing discussions and potential regulations could shape the future of cannabis commerce in Maine.
