For the first time, federal prosecutors say they are seeking the forfeiture of Maine properties used in illegal cannabis growing operations that might be tied to organized, transnational crime organizations.
Marijuana
Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift
‘This is monumental,’ President Biden said in a video statement, calling it an important move toward reversing longstanding inequities.
Medical marijuana license denial sparks heated debate in Augusta
Frank Berenyi of Waterville is seeking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Augusta says officials based their decision on “lies and slander.”
Feds: Maine illegal marijuana grows may be tied to Chinese crime organizations
The U.S. Attorney’s office said Friday that federal authorities are investigating an estimated 100 illegal growing sites in Maine, as well as similar activities in 19 other states.
Illegal cannabis growing operation busted at Madison home filled with black mold
Police seized 1,854 marijuana plants, 10 pounds of processed marijuana, and other drug-related items from the home, which had the worst case of black mold observed by police during 14 similar busts in Somerset County, Sheriff Dale Lancaster said.
DEA moves to reclassify marijuana as lower-risk drug
The DEA’s proposal, which still must be reviewed, would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs.
Augusta may allow adult use marijuana businesses, but ban potentially dangerous extraction process
Officials in Augusta want to consider prohibiting or regulating a cannabis extraction process that uses flammable materials.
Suspect held without bail in Maine as feds investigate illicit marijuana grows in 20 states
Xisen Guo, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, faces charges after a bust in rural Penobscot County. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Maine lawmakers support sealing past marijuana convictions – but not automatically
The proposal would allow convictions for marijuana cultivation and possession crimes committed prior to legalization to be eligible for sealing by a judge.
Maine lawmakers scrap bill to decriminalize drug possession; opt for study instead
The original proposal sought to treat substance use as a public health issue and would have set up receiving centers to help people dealing with a crisis.