Law enforcement experts say cheap, sometimes tainted weed grown by Chinese criminal groups is getting into the state’s medical market. Business owners say it’s cratering market rates and pushing reputable growers out of the industry.
Maine cannabis
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
These THC-infused drinks face little oversight in the US. Maine is scrambling to regulate sales.
Drinks with low doses of the psychoactive compound found in cannabis are proliferating at markets and breweries because of a federal loophole. Maine’s pot shops are not pleased.
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News, Politics
How a former lawmaker grew weed with alleged Chinese crime groups in rural Maine
A web of shell companies and illegal grows allegedly linked to Chinese organized crime traces its start to one former Democratic legislator, his cannabis consulting business, and his chain of central Maine dispensaries.
Posted inBusiness, Leslie Bridgers, Local & State
Another weed shop opened on Forest Ave. This is how they all survive.
There are now six cannabis shops within a mile and a half of Forest Avenue, and their owners say there’s room for all of them.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Industry-backed lawmakers lead effort to further loosen regulation of medical cannabis in Maine
Maine’s medical marijuana laws are already among the loosest in the country. Two key lawmakers are pushing to ease regulations further after receiving financial support from the industry.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine lawmakers consider bill to make banking easier for the cannabis industry
Since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, the lucrative industry has struggled with limited access to loans and other bank services.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Bill seeks to give Maine legislators final approval over chief of cannabis office
State officials say the legislation unfairly singles out the Office of Cannabis Policy and undermines the executive branch, while supporters say it’s an important step in restoring trust and transparency for the industry.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Illegal grow houses have been entering Maine’s medical weed market for years, even after being busted by police
Four years ago, state officials first investigated a ‘prohibited collective’ of medical caregivers and illegal grow houses identical to the ones later raided by police. Now, 1 in 10 Maine caregivers exhibits the hallmarks of those same operations.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Times Record
Wiscasset pot shop opens pizza joint
A perfect pairing — pizza and cannabis — comes together this Valentine’s Day as business owner Richard Petron expands his presence in the community.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
Maine’s recalls of moldy cannabis prompt questions on state testing standards
On the heels of back-to-back-to-back recalls, industry members are calling for an examination of the state’s standards for yeast and mold, which they say are simultaneously too tight and too broad.