{"id":286778,"date":"2019-10-17T10:07:15","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T15:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-maine.html"},"modified":"2023-06-27T09:22:23","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T14:22:23","slug":"how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-maine","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-maine.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Maine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Maine<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 27, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Maine passed the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dafs\/ocp\/adult-use\/rules-statutes\/title-28-b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marijuana Legalization Act<\/a>&nbsp;(MLA) in 2016. This law legalized the recreational use and retail sale of marijuana. However, due to several rewrites of the MLA, Maine&#8217;s cannabis dispensaries did not start selling adult use cannabis products until October 9, 2020.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n<p>If you are a new&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-dispensary-business-plan-example.html\">cannabis business owner<\/a>&nbsp;in the state of Maine, it is important to understand Maine&#8217;s marijuana laws and ordinances. The following table summarizes the laws and procedures you need to know before opening a marijuana dispensary in Maine.<\/p>\r\n<p>Relevant Laws<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/lldc.mainelegislature.org\/Open\/Laws\/2009\/2009_IB_c001.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">An Act to Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/lldc.mainelegislature.org\/Open\/Laws\/2015\/2015_IB_c005.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Marijuana Legalization Act<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>The Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) provisionally adopted&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1gMLv742tfOWYQsIeox-z31ugvn-D__kL\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine&#8217;s Adult Use Marijuana Program<\/a>, establishing a regulatory framework governing recreational marijuana<\/li>\r\n<li>The governor signed&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.mainelegislature.org\/legis\/bills\/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0524&amp;item=4&amp;snum=129\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">An Act Regarding Adult Use Marijuana<\/a>&nbsp;in June 2019. This act amends a few provisions of the provisionally adopted rules<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Age and Residency Requirements<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>You need to be at least 21 years of age to apply for a license; and<\/li>\r\n<li>If you own at least 51% of the ownership shares of a marijuana business, you must be a Maine resident for at least four years before applying for a license<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Criminal Background<\/p>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dafs\/ocp\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office of Cannabis Policy&nbsp;<\/a>requires owners and all employees to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.<\/p>\r\n<p>Taxation Requirements<\/p>\r\n<p>There is a 10% sales tax on adult use of marijuana. Cultivation facilities pay a 15% excise tax on marijuana.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/state-medical-marijuana-laws-to-know-for-your-business.html\">Medical cannabis patients<\/a>&nbsp;do not pay taxes.<\/p>\r\n<p>Types of Cannabis Licenses<\/p>\r\n<p>The state recognizes the following marijuana licenses:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Social club licenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Cultivation facility licenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Testing facility\/Testing laboratory licenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Products manufacturing facility licenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Marijuana Store\/Dispensary licenses<\/li>\r\n<li>Occupational licenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Maine residents can keep&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dafs\/ocp\/faq#:~:text=Mainers%20can%20grow%20cannabis%20for,years%20of%20age%20or%20older\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">three to twelve mature plants<\/a>&nbsp;for personal use without needing a license.<\/p>\r\n<p>Who Can I Sell Cannabis To?<\/p>\r\n<p>You can sell recreational cannabis to people who are 21 years of age or older. You must ask for a government-issued ID to verify the age of the consumer.<\/p>\r\n<p>Licensing Fees<\/p>\r\n<p>Marijuana licensing fees for a cannabis store include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>License application fee: Ranges from $10 to $250 (nonrefundable)<\/li>\r\n<li>Licensing fee:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/28-B\/title28-Bsec207.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ranges from $250 to $2500<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Note: When applying for a cultivation license, the license fees may vary depending on the plant-canopy tier level you require. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/28-B\/title28-Bsec207.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">highest fee is $30,000<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>How Much Cannabis Can I Sell in a Day?<\/p>\r\n<p>There is a limit to the amount of cannabis a cannabis retail store&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainelegislature.org\/legis\/statutes\/22\/title22sec2428.html#:~:text=by%20the%20department%3A-,A.,AMD)%3B%20PL%202021%2C%20c.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can sell to each consumer per day<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>No more than 2.5 ounces; and\/or<\/li>\r\n<li>No more than 5 grams of concentrated marijuana, whether sold alone or infused in edible marijuana products.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Hours of Operation<\/p>\r\n<p>A cannabis store can sell marijuana from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dafs\/ocp\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">7 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Can My Dispensary Location Be Anywhere?<\/p>\r\n<p>You cannot operate a cannabis establishment within 1000 feet of any preexisting private or public school. Local laws may, however, limit that distance to no less than 500 feet.<\/p>\r\n<p><i>Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2>Who Oversees the Cannabis Industry?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dafs\/services\/marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Office of Cannabis Policy<\/a>&nbsp;(OCP), under Maine&#8217;s Department of Administrative and Financial Services, is responsible for issuing cannabis business licenses and regulating the cannabis industry. Maine&#8217;s Department of Health and Human Services once regulated the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program. However, OCP now regulates medical marijuana in the state.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Application Process<\/h2>\r\n<p>Maine follows a three-step process before awarding an adult use marijuana license:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Conditional Licensure<\/li>\r\n<li>Local Authorization<\/li>\r\n<li>Active Licensure<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>First, you need to apply to get a conditional license by sending all forms and other required information to the Office of Cannabis Policy. After running a background check and obtaining an OMP-issued Individual Identification Card, OCP will either approve or deny your application within 90 days. The Office of Cannabis Policy will grant you a conditional license if you comply with all the requirements.<\/p>\r\n<p>The next step is to secure a location and get approval from the local municipality to run a marijuana business. You have one year from the issuance date of your conditional license to secure a location and get approval from the municipality.<\/p>\r\n<p>Within 10 days of getting approval from the municipality, the Office of Cannabis Policy will issue you an active license. It may also ask you for additional documents as it deems necessary.<\/p>\r\n<p>You should note, however, that a conditional license doesn&#8217;t allow you to start your dispensary business. You need an active license before you can open a dispensary.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Who Is Ineligible To Get a License?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Business owners who fall under one of the following categories are ineligible to get a license:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A person convicted of violating a state or federal controlled substance law. The violation needs to be punishable by imprisonment of one year or more<\/li>\r\n<li>A person who previously had their license revoked<\/li>\r\n<li>A person who has served in a law enforcement role, such as a police officer, sheriff prosecutor, or an employee of OCP<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Can I Sell Other Products in My Dispensary?<\/h2>\r\n<p>A Maine marijuana store cannot act as a medical marijuana dispensary. A Marine marijuana store owner cannot be a caregiver while also selling recreational adult use cannabis. If you are running a marijuana dispensary, you can&#8217;t sell or give away other consumable products. This includes alcohol, cigarettes, and other edible products that don&#8217;t contain cannabis. You can sell cannabis products.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Can I Advertise My Dispensary Anywhere?<\/h2>\r\n<p>Marijuana business owners can&#8217;t advertise their products in a way that might be attractive to minors. They also cannot promote illegal activity and irresponsible use. The complete list of advertising restrictions is under&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1gMLv742tfOWYQsIeox-z31ugvn-D__kL\/view\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Section 5<\/a>&nbsp;of the provisionally adopted rules.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Make Sure You Are Compliant With Local Laws<\/h2>\r\n<p>The state won&#8217;t issue a license unless the specific city or municipality approves the license. The law also requires cities to opt-in before dispensaries can start operating. Failure to opt-in means a city has prohibited retail sales of marijuana despite state laws. More than 90% of Maine&#8217;s cities and towns&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mainepublic.org\/news\/2021-09-20\/more-than-90-of-maine-towns-still-dont-allow-recreational-marijuana-sales\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">do not allow the retail sale of recreational cannabis<\/a>. Thus, it is important to make sure your dispensary is in a city that allows retail sales.<\/p>\r\n<p>You should also know that cities can set their own local rules and regulations on how to regulate dispensaries.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Was Your Application Denied?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The Office of Cannabis Policy can deny your application for good cause. If that happens, the OCP gives you a reason for the denial and informs you of your right to appeal the decision. Many denials happen if the applicant had a license, permit, certificate, or other government-issued authorization issued for cultivation, manufacture, testing, or sale of marijuana in another jurisdiction revoked.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Still Have Questions?<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/lawlibrary\/recreational_marijuana_in_maine\/9419\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Maine Legislature website<\/a>&nbsp;is a good resource for more information on retail cannabis sales. You should regularly check this website to keep up to date with the changing laws and regulations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Additional Resources<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/setting-up-a-marijuana-business-the-basics.html\">Setting Up a Marijuana Business: The Basics<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\/\">Marijuana Business: Licenses, Permits, and Planning<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/details-on-state-marijuana-laws.html\">Details on State Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maine-law\/maine-business-laws.html\">Maine Business Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/marijuana-possession-laws-by-state.html\">Marijuana Possession Laws by State<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Get Help With Your Dispensary Application From a Maine Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Starting a marijuana business is complicated and lengthy, especially in Maine, where laws constantly change. In addition, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, which will affect your business plan and structure. Get help from a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maine cannabis business attorney<\/a>&nbsp;to ensure compliance with local and state laws.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            <p>Cannabis is a complex area of law. Start by learning what you need to form and operate a cannabis business:<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business.html\">Starting your cannabis business<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/Federal-and-State-Marijuana-Laws-and-Your-Pot-Business.html\">Federal and state cannabis laws<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">The medical cannabis industry<\/a>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Then, protect your rights by calling a business lawyer familiar with cannabis laws. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL0815\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html\">\n                        Cannabis Licensing, Permits, and Planning\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\">\n                        Medical Marijuana Laws by State\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/cannabis-laws-and-regulations\/marijuana-investment-legal-information-about-marijuana-stocks.html\">\n                        Investing in Cannabis\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannabis Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business and Commercial Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h3 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    DIY Forms for Cannabis Business\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Restrictive federal laws and ever-changing state laws make the marijuana industry a dynamic environment for cannabis business owners. Before you open a cannabis business, make sure it is legal in your state, and follow your state laws. Once you decide on an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp business, you can register your business entity online using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" title=\"DIY business formation forms\">DIY business formation forms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw outlines the relevant marijuana laws and regulations you need to know in order to open a marijuana dispensary in Maine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":286770,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2725],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-286778","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-cannabis-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286778"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286778\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399431,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286778\/revisions\/399431"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286770"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286778"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=286778"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=286778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}