Please note: ILGM is NOT a legal adviser. Information contained in this website is intended as general introductory information only. The information contained on this website is not legal advice. It should not be construed as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Growing marijuana in Maine is finally legal! If you’re asking how many plants can you grow in Maine, here’s the quick answer: Adults in Maine can now legally grow up to three marijuana plants at home. That includes all of the harvest from those plants, and/or up to 12 immature plants.
To get started, learn the rules.
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Grow Bible
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Medical Marijuana
Maine previously approved the use of marijuana for a large number of conditions. These conditions include neurological conditions such Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease; life-threatening conditions such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, and epilepsy and digestive disorders of inflammatory bowel disease and nausea.
They also include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Cachexia or wasting syndrome, Nail-patella syndrome, Huntington’s disease, and Crohn’s disease. Of course, Maine also did not forget Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain. However, you no longer need a qualifying condition to be a part of the medical program. If your doctor thinks you should use marijuana therapeutically, that is enough.
The medical marijuana law in Maine
Medical marijuana patients in Maine can have 2.5 oz of marijuana in their possession at any time. When it comes to growing marijuana, they are allowed to have six mature plants at a time.
Maine has dispensaries for buying medical marijuana, but patients who would like to have their marijuana custom grown can have a personal caregiver. Maine Marijuana caregivers need to be at least 21 years old and are allowed to grow plants on behalf of a patient.
Patients from other states can use and purchase marijuana in Maine. Get your medical marijuana card at marijuanadoctors.com
Legalization
In addition to their medical marijuana program, Maine also legalized marijuana possession. Anyone possessing less than 2.5 ounces will receive no penalty and no fine. If they have more than 2.5 ounces, it becomes a crime and could include jail time and a fine. Public use of marijuana is a civil infraction and could result in a $100 fine.
Keep in mind, proof of medical need will cancel any possible fines. So make sure you always register as medical marijuana patient. It’s very easy and not expensive and, most important, it can save you a lot of trouble. Get your card at marijuanadoctors.com
Growing in Maine
You don’t need medical permission to legally grow marijuana at home in Maine. Let’s start with a short list, followed by more details.
- The minimum age to grow is 21
- Possess an unlimited number of seedlings
- Have no more than 12 immature marijuana plants
- Have no more than 3 flowering marijuana plants
- Keep the entire harvest of your 3 plants
- Grow indoors only in your own residence
- Outdoor growing can be on your property or on a friend’s property with written permission
- Outdoor grows must not be visible without the aid of binoculars or aircraft
- Plants must have an identifying tag that includes a driver’s license or identification number
Maine Growing Laws In-Depth
Now that we know the basics, a little more explanation:
You must be 21 to grow your own marijuana in Maine.
At 21 you’re officially an adult. At that age, you can drink, go to a casino, and now, grow marijuana.
You can grow an unlimited number of seedlings.
Seedlings are nonflowering marijuana plants that are no taller than 24 inches and no wider than 18 inches.
Seedlings can be plants from seed or clones from a mother plant. The great thing about this rule is that you can grow as many as possible and select the strongest plants for the next stage, the vegetative stage.
You are limited to 12 immature plants.
An immature or vegetative marijuana plant is taller than 24 inches and wider than 18 inches. These plants are in the vegetative stage and are not producing buds yet. They need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of complete darkness per day.
When you change the light cycle from 18 hours of light to 12 hours of light, the plant ‘thinks’ that winter is coming because of the decreasing amount of light. In nature, this happens around August when days get shorter. For the plant, this is the signal to start producing flowers.
Cannabis Seedling Stage
Keeping your marijuana happy and healthy depends on how carefully you care for them. Know how to protect your seedlings through their most delicate stage of life.
You are limited to 3 flowering plants.
The flowering stage is triggered by light. It lasts 7 to 9 weeks, depending on the strain.
If you grow indoors, it’s very easy to change the light cycle and control the timing of the flowering stage. Just modify the settings from 18 hours of light to 12 hours of light. If you grow outdoors, mother nature is in control.
Keep only the harvest of your plants.
You’re not allowed to have more weed in your house than the harvest from 3 plants. Of course, every harvest is different, but expect ounces of marijuana, not pounds.
If your last harvest hasn’t finished and you are ready to harvest again, you will have a ‘problem.’ However, you can always find someone that will appreciate a gift of weed. Remember to give it away, though. You cannot sell it or exchange it for any goods.
Grow in your own residence.
The law is clear on this one. Do not plan to grow marijuana in your office or at your mom’s place.
If growing outdoors, grow on your own property.
There is no need to grow in the forest or other public places in Maine. If you don’t have property where you can grow, ask a friend or a neighbor if you can grow on theirs.
Make sure you have written permission. This exception makes it very easy for those without a garden or a way to grow indoors to enjoy the art of growing weed.
If you have nowhere to grow, ask a friend or somebody you know if they will let you. See if anyone is willing to do a small volunteer community garden. If you don’t know anybody, try placing an ad on craigslist.
Buy Seeds for Maine
We selected the best seeds to grow in the Maine climate! If you are planning to grow outdoors then, check out our custom collection of Maine weather-approved seeds.
If growing outdoors, keep your plants stealth.
Your plants should not be visible from the public road without visual aids.
Build a fence around your plants or build a little greenhouse. Remember that some marijuana plants can grow over 6 feet tall!
Tag your plants.
All of your plants must have a tag that includes your name and your driver’s license number or identification number. Plus, you must be a resident of Maine.
This goes for all plants. It doesn’t matter if they’re in your home, your garden or in your friend’s garden. They all need a tag.
As you can see, most adults in Maine should be able to grow their own marijuana. And for those who cannot, there is probably someone that can share some outdoor space.
Things You Cannot Legally Do in Maine
I have gotten a lot of emails with questions about what is and isn’t allowed in Maine. We’ve discussed the rules, now here are a few things that are not allowed:
- Growing at multiple places and/or having more than 3 plants in your name *this recently changed from 6 plants
- Putting plants in a friend’s name and taking care of those plants
- Renting out space to people to grow marijuana (for money)
- Selling your harvest
- Storing your harvest someplace other than your home
Based on the rules, these things should be self-explanatory. However, if you have more questions or comments, leave them below in the comment section.
To start growing in Maine, download my free marijuana grow bible. It will discuss the best ways to grow medical marijuana, create a grow room, and prevent infestations and diseases. The free Marijuana Grow Bible has all of the information needed to get started.
Once your grow room is ready, pick out the appropriate seeds and order them. I Love Growing Marijuana carries a large variety of seeds for different needs and conditions. Choose one that best fits what you are looking for, and we will ship it fast and discreetly. Our seeds are guaranteed to germinate, which is the first step to growing the best marijuana in Maine.
Download the Free Harvesting Guide to learn more about when and how to harvest your Marijuana plants.
Harvest Guide
- Time your harvest for Perfect Taste
- Get THC levels for a Perfect High
- Don’t waste any Precious Bud
Latest Updates
December 2016 – Legalization Recount, The Fight Is Over: Weed Wins in Maine
FAQs About Growing Marijuana in Maine
Yes, they have a medical marijuana program wherein patients in Maine can possess 2.5 oz of marijuana at any given time. When it comes to growing marijuana, they can grow six mature plants at a time.
If anyone is caught possessing more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana in Maine, it is considered a crime and could include a fine and jail time. Public use of cannabis is a civil infraction and could result in a fine amounting to $100.
No, Maine residents are only allowed to grow marijuana in their own property.
What’s your experience with marijuana where you live? Let us know in the comments!
It’s just a plant, after all …
Jenny
My daughter has a medical card in Maine but has no place to grow her plants .. can I grow for her at my house..I possess a medical card as well..
If your a non- resident that owns land in Maine can I grow
Can a convicted felon for pills grow marijuana in his mothers house or anywhere for that matter
Is it legal to grow 6 plants outside for someone who has a medical marijuana card as well as have 3 of your own when you own the land?
I had a question similar to this one. I have a decent amount of land and 2 of my friends wanted to grow but don’t have any means for a garden. So I was wondering if it was legal to have my 3 plants on my own land, as well as host my friend’s plants ( each having 3 plants)?
Can my wife and I grow our 3 plants in the same room
Glad to hear homegrown is legal in Maine.. in New York the politicians want only expensive cartel marijuana.. they place money over liberty. It’s sad .
I’m doing what I can to spread the word and shut down their fascist ideas.
Hy Jeff,
Thanks for your comment! We will check up and correct the info in this article shortly.
Stacy
ILGM
What if you know someone who is doing all the things that are not allowed. I would not care normally but these people take advantage in every way you can imagine. Among other nasty things they do against rules and laws.
author of this blog is wrong on many facts, 6 plants are allowed and do not have to be covered
I think it is very disrespectful for neighbors who have to skunk smell sitting in their backyard.
Is it a felony to have to many plants in maine?
I understand that the plants can’t be visible by the road but if the neighbor can see them once they are fully grown, is that against the law?
is the limit 3 plants per a household or 3 plants per a person living at the residents ?
I like this web site so much, saved to fav.
the law states “up to 3 plants per person per residence”.. so yes, you can grow 3 plants at your place and 3 plants in the back of your friends field (with their written permission of course). Whats more there is nothing in the law limiting what you do with your buds after harvest. You dont need to get rid of them before harvesting again.
My brother uses his nephews bedroom to dry them. Hows that legal or moral?
Awesome info, thanks! I also wondered What i can and cant do as a tenant and renting from a landlord. my landlord threatened to call the police on me for what he thought was marijuana but was actually CBD because for him its still federally illegal. I had cBD which is totally legal in both state and Federal law, however, what would happen to me if i had marijuana on a landlords property in my outdoor greenhouse, within legal state limits and he called the cops on me? Would he be at risk at all? Would i be implicated in “crime” activity? Would Obtaining written permission from a landlord make it safe for me to grow? Thanks for time and education!
How Long do seeds last? If I bought 10 seeds and only planted 5 one year, will the remaining 5 last Until the following year?
Where does measuring from a school Begin? The front door? Curb? Building?
So, if I get 5lbs off my three plants I’m still legal?
What does the law say in Regards to buying and selling clones?
If The Plants are outside but still in pots does that constitute an outside Grow? If so, would a friend be able to put their plants on the property Legally?
Robert, you need to consult your local municipality. Laws aere different and get changed all the time. you may need AN 8′ FOOT FENCE OR SOMETHING. oTHERWISE YOU MAY HAVE TO GROW INSIDE. aSK YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. tHEY KNOW MUCH BETTER THAN WE DO WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO IN YOUR AREA. gOOD lUCK
Tina, We cannot advise you on legal matters. you should contact someone in the legal profession ans ask their advice. If you rent, you must have an agreement. What does it state in the agreement as to how intrusive the landlord can be. If it is a large tract of land, he may have the right to do what he wants on his own land. Good Luck
Craig, Local and state laws change all the time. Best if you ask your local government whether you can participate or not. Good Luck
Why cut plant numbers down to 3,6plants only get me by for 9 monthst hen I have to buy it black market I won’t pay high Legal non profit dispencery weed prices I saw a lady once pay 900 dollars for two ounces at wellness connection what a rip off
I LIVE NEXT TO A BALL FIELD WITH A NO DRUG ZONE I OWN MY PROPERTY CAN I STILL GROW OR DO YOU HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN DISTANCE FROM NO DRUG ZONE
What if you live on land that is not yours but the person that owns it want to grow. But dont live there and we dont want them to grow. Not because where against growing we just dont want there plants there.
HOW do felons plat into this? Can they do it or not?
So it says a friend can grow on ur property as long as there tagged and they encourage a grow together. however ..does not say how many people can grow together on a single piece of property ? What is the property/household limit for multiple people growing in the same place ?? How many plants are allowed in one spot ?? And how many people can grow together ??
If your a maine Medical Marijuana patient And theres to patients in the same houehold. i heard only 2 people in your household are allowed to grow 6 flowering plants each. Is this true?
Can I have three plants on my property in adition to letting a friend/relative have three plants tagged in their name?
My neighbor grows in his back yard and I can see and smell it in late summer. I have cook out with family and friends and my back yard smells like a skunk. The plants are less than 50 feet from my yard where we cook. ??????
Cory, you should call your state advocate or agency and ask. Laws change all the time and I know Maine is in flux, as far as I know. I also believe Maine is ruled by a limit of how many square feet you Can grow per person. I also know that some states mention per household.
What is the max amount I am able to grow on a single property if all are imediate family? 4 of us have cards 3 don’t
Marion,
this question falls under; “Ask your local authorities”. Local laws change all the time and it is best if you receive this info from the proper local source.
I’m wondering about fences. I read or heard that if you grow in maine, you have to have a 6 foot fence around it that locks. Is that true?
JD,
I advise you to check local ordinance. On the other hand; By state law your neighbor has the right to grow as long as he follows the constraints of the law, and the last thing I would ever do is to advise you on how to stifle his legal production of medicine. We consider that people are growing medicine and medicine from Cannabis helps people get off of opioids prescribed by Doctors getting a payoff. I have made many friends who could not function is society due to opioid use and now with medical marijuana they are holding full time jobs and playing with the grand kids. I suggest you buy an ozone generator for your house. Good day.
My neighbor has 36 plants growing. I am trying to sell my house and lost a cash sale because of the strong smell. Even the inside of my house smells. I was told there is an odor ordinance. What does that entail? They are also very visible.
That’s It can only be seen by Air or by binoculars. Meaning If someone walks by they are not supposed to see them.. that’s sll.
Cher,
The law just changed in Maine. recreational users are now limited to 3 plants. Med patients have a larger allowed grow but, you would need to contact your local government agency to clarify the latest changes to the cannabis laws in Maine.
Can we grow 12 flowering plants on our property if we grow for ourselves and then give permission to someone with a Medical card? That would mean we would each have 6 plants.
I have owned my property in Ellsworth for 35 years I live in Maine now from April to mid October and I am a resident the other months in NH.i find it very unfare that I pay my taxes on my properties up here and spend my money here but I can’t legally grow a plant. This is not right.
EJ MIlls,
These are all questions for you local and state agency to answer. Last I heard; Maine does not even know what they are going to do. Sorry.
Local and state laws in Maine are still in flux. Contact your state agent to find out what guidelines are in place.
I cannot speak to whether you can make them move the plants. I believe all should have the right to grow and the only stigma attached is due to archaic U.S. laws illegally implemented due to the fact that Cannabis does and always has had medicinal applications.
My personal opinion is that they should have a fence around the plants if in the front yard. Otherwise I place the burden on the parents to educate the children. If cannabis were not illegally prohibited by the federal government; You would not be worried and all would have been educated to the vast positive uses for this plant; Including fuel. 🙂
Brittanic,
I advise you to call the state office for MMJ in Maine,. We have a staff member who lives in Maine and all indication are that Maine is in the process of modifying the laws and guidelines. It is better for you to contact your states goverrning body for the absolute correct answer to your query
Join us at: support.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com where we have some Maine residents who I am sure will be happy to guide you 🙂
Anne,
If it is legal to giver your card to a professional caregiver in your state; The details of compensation is between you and the caregiver grower. As far as rules; Contact your state for the details. Peace
Are convicted felons allowed to grow marijuana? Are people who rent a trailer in a trailer park allowed to grow marijuana on the lot their trailer sits on? (That one could be tricky since many “private property” laws that apply to other types of rentals don’t apply to trailer park rentals.) Lastly, is someone living in Section 8 housing allowed to grow pot?
When growing outdoors am I required to have my plants fenced in
Jon where in Maine are you located I’m from California stuck in Maine looking for a place
I have a medical cannabis card in Maine. If I give the card to a grow house to grow on my behalf, not clear on the rules, do I get a portion of that pot free?
Hi I was curious if there was any laws about growing near a school in my house?
Just explain this to your neighbors, just like you wrote it all down here. I think they will understand why you are asking them to move them a little. 🙂
Stacy
ILGM
My neighbor has quite a few marijuana plants growing in their driveway where it is very visible to me and other passing by. Is there a way to make them move these plants, I have small grandchildren and do not want these plants visible to them. I understand they can grow them, and I don’t have a problem with that, it is where they are growing them.
If a town government passes an ordinance outlawing the “cultivation” of weed, does this take priority over and render null &void, the home-grown rule passed in the State?
yeah good idear @roy thanx
Hi Pants, I believe the fence is to keep youngsters and other people out as well. I’m not sure how your personal situation resonantes with local legislature so it’s best to ask locally.
Hello, was curious what would be the rule for a property that is large enough so that the outdoor grow would not be visible by any public road, would a fence still be required? There are cliffs all around the property too, do you think those might qualify as a fence?
Hi Cheryl, best check that with local legislation 🙂 – I❤️GM
I am a landlord and I have nothing against using weed but what are my rights about the renter digging holes to plant on my property now that it legal here in Maine Thanks
Hi Wayne, I assume the limits are set per household but best double-check that locally. – I❤️GM
What if you have 3 or 4 adults over the age of 21 in the same house hold, can we all grow our 6 plants each? (18-24) Is there a maximum number of plants to grow per house hold?
I’m from Maine too
Hi Kathy, I’m affraid we’re too far off to be able to answer this correctly, best check with local legislation.
I would like to be a cultivator for dispensaries to use. How does one go about doing this?
What if you have 3 or 4 adults over the age of 21 in the same house hold, can we all grow our 6 plants each? (18-24) Is there a maximum number of plants to grow per house hold?
Hi Christina, the limits are set per household so that doesn’t seem legal to me 🙂 – I❤️GM
My friend and I would like to grow in another friends basement. So all 3 of us would grow there. Is that legal?
Hi John, I wasn’t able to find an answer to your question. Best check locally for the answer.
can one sell clones/seeds legally in Maine ( sorry didn’t finish the last question)
Hi John, that goes into some specific details which are best checked locally. I can imagine if you are someone that rents out appartments that the tenants can each grow in their respecive homes. But renting out a bit of land specifically for growing does not seem to fit the rules. But please see if you can find more on this in your county or district.
“Renting out space to people to grow marijuana (for money)” My question is can one rent out land to some one if it is for personal use i.e. I have 5 acres and want to rent out for people that don’t have space to grow it.
Hi Sam, you can find all the details on http://norml.org/states
Hi Jennifer, I wasn’t able to find anything about residency. Perhaps check locally to be sure.
Does anyone have any idea what the penalty would be if I had more plants than the 6? Where would I find this information. Thank you.
How long does someone have to be a Maine resident before they can grow for recreational use?
This page incorrectly states that the grows must be “covered” or invisible even from the air. Actually, the statute reads: “A person who elects to cultivate marijuana shall ensure the marijuana is not visible from a public way without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids. . . ” Which unambiguously means that if you can see the pot with binocs, a drone, or the like, but ONLY by using such means, not using the naked eye from a “public way,” you’re compliant as far as visibility goes. There is no “need to be covered” requirement.
yup 😀
I have a medical grow in my name, now that marijuana is legal in Maine can my girlfriend grow her six plants also?
Hes wrong it said cant be visible from the road without use of binoculars or aircraft or optical aids in the law hes missinforming people
Agreed Trisha, I removed it.
“If you are not 21 have someone older help you?” What the hell kind of statement is that? Are you TRYING to have this taken away for us because it can just as easily be voted back out again. You CANNOT use or grow marijuana EVEN with the help of an adult if you are under 21 UNLESS a doctor has prescribed it for you for a condition such as epilepsy, AIDS, cancer and other very serious diseases. You need to take that comment down off of this website. It promotes illegal activity and we worked WAY TOO HARD on this campaign for you to go and ruin it for us with a comment like that.
Good question Brandy. It’s probably best to investigate this locally as it’s hard for us to help you on this point.
Can u grow marijuana in ur residence if there are legal guns in the residence?
Hi Jason, you can have a total of 12 plants but just 6 of them may be flowering. Recreation/medical does not come into the equation
Can you have 6 recreational plants and 6 medical plants making a total of 12 if you have your medical marijuana card
6 mature plants per person! So in your case you can legally have 12 mature plants.
MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION ACT Full Initiative Text:
http://www.regulatemaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/initiative-text.pdf
#8 in the article is incorrect. Your Plants can be visible to aircraft and do not need to be covered. Here is how it is written on page 26 of the MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION ACT:
“A person who elects to cultivate marijuana shall ensure the marijuana is not
visible from a public way without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids”
So, yes your plants can be visible from the sky and visible with use of binoculars- they do not need to be covered or in a greenhouse!
Hi Scomber, the rules for selling often condsider both the plant and bud equal. So no selling allowed
What are the rules on selling seedlings?
Best check the details locally but I suspect everything from or beyond the seedling stage needs a tag.
you say “ALL PLANTS” must have an ID tag. does this mean “ALL” plants including seedlings, or does “ALL PLANTS” mean “ALL FLOWERING PLANTS?” gracias por su llamada!
Ha thanks Larry!
It also says each person may have 6 flowering plants. It doesn’t say anywhere that there is a household limit.
But each plant must be labeled with the adults name and ID or license number
I found this on Maine’s PFD of laws. It states “without the use of Aircraft or Binoculars”. So it looks like we don’t have to cover it.
2. Home cultivation. The following provisions apply to the home cultivation of marijuana for personal use by a person who is 21 years of age or older.
A. A person may cultivate up to 6 flowering marijuana plants at that person’s place of residence, on property owned by that person or on another person’s property with written permission of the owner of the property.
B. A person who elects to cultivate marijuana shall ensure the marijuana is not visible from a public way without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids and shall take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access by a person under 21 years of age.
Medical growers in Maine can currently grow 6 plants per person, however, due to the ongoing recount, the changes regarding State laws on growing Marijuana have yet to be established.
Hey Larry, it seems odd right? I clarified a bit “meaning they need to be covered”. So you’d need to stretch a translucent tarp or build a grow house.
Any thoughts on that Roy?
Hi Jeff, I can’t seem to find those details at the moment. maine.gov and norml.org seem like good places to look
Can my wife and I each grow 6 mature plants a piece or is it just 6 plants per household?
It states above that in Maine outdoor grows can’t be visible from the air. How would you grow outside since all plants require sunlight.
Thanks