Industry

Mainers spent $250,000 on cannabis during first weekend of retail sales

Published on October 14, 2020
Maine-marijuana-stores-open
Buyers are let in to purchase cannabis products at Theory Wellness on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in South Portland, Maine. Friday is the first day of legal marijuana sales for adult recreational use in the state. (AP Photo/David Sharp)

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Maine residents spent more than $250,000 on marijuana over the course of the first weekend of legal retail sales.

Voters in the state chose to legalize adult use cannabis in 2016, but retail sales didn’t become legal until this month. The Maine Office of Marijuana Policy said the long weekend that ended on Monday generated more than 6,400 transactions and $25,000 in sales tax.

Marijuana office director Erik Gundersen said the first weekend of legal sales “went smoothly.” He said businesses in the state showed good compliance with social distancing laws, as well.

“Our retail store licensees went the extra mile to implement public health measures and control vehicle and pedestrian traffic visiting their establishments,” Gundersen said. “Additionally, the respect and patience shown by consumers for these protocols and their willingness to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing was very encouraging.”

Ask Leafly, not the cops, for cannabis advice

Meanwhile, in Bangor, the local police department found itself tied up with questions about the new cannabis stores and Maine laws.

“I have been inundated with incoming questions about the new rules in regard to smoking marijuana,” wrote Lt. Tim Cotton. “It is now legal for recreational purposes in Maine.”

“There are better places to search for the rules, and you should, if you are planning on taking up the pastime for recreational purposes. Why would you want to ask the cops about it?”

True that, Lt. Cotton. Here are the best links to answer all those questions:

The questions have started; my response will continue to be, "Google is your friend, read the Maine State statutes, or…

Posted by Bangor Maine Police Department on Saturday, October 10, 2020

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
Leafly Staff
Leafly Staff
Leafly is the world’s largest cannabis information resource, empowering people in legal cannabis markets to learn about the right products for their lifestyle and wellness needs. Our team of cannabis professionals collectively share years of experience in all corners of the market, from growing and retail, to science and medicine, to data and technology.
View Leafly Staff's articles
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App Store
Download Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play




* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2024 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.