The Gorham Times, Gorham, Maine's Community Newspaper

Recreational marijuana use is now legal in Maine. Here’s what you need to know:

Who can use?

Mainers over the age of 21 can legally use up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. They can also transfer 2.5 ounces to a friend as long as they receive nothing in return.

Where you can use?

You can’t smoke it everywhere. The law prohibits marijuana use in public, whether you eat it or smoke it. For now, you have to smoke
in private, such as in your home which includes your backyard or porch. Once the regulated sale of recreational marijuana becomes legal, you will also be able to smoke in a state-licensed marijuana social club. You could be fined up to $100 for using marijuana in public.

How you can possess it?

For now, you (or someone willing to transfer some to you) have to grow it. You’re allowed to have six mature plants, 12 immature plants and an unlimited number of seedlings at any given time. You can’t grow it where it is visible to others and you must prevent access by anyone under 21.

Over the next year, the Maine Legislature will be working towards implementing the regulated sale of marijuana which becomes legal in February 2018.