Differences Between Adult Use and Medical in Maine

While both adult use and medical cannabis have been available in Maine for a few years, many customers and patients are not so sure about the differences between the two. We get a lot of questions at Grams Five & Dime because we operate a recreational dispensary in Newport, ME, and a medical dispensary in Detroit, ME.

Is medical cannabis stronger? Can adults buy less? What about taxes and costs? Take a closer look at the differences between adult use and medical cannabis in Maine below to get the answers.

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What Is the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana?

In general terms, there are very few differences between medical and recreational marijuana in Maine. Both types of customers have access to top-quality products, including flower, vapes, edibles, tinctures, pre-rolls, and more. The primary difference between the two types of cannabis is who can buy them.

Naturally, you must have a medical marijuana card to purchase products at a medical dispensary. Take a quick look at the common questions we get about the differences between medical and recreational cannabis below.

Is There a Difference Between Potency and Quality?

There is no difference in potency or quality whether you are shopping for medical or adult use cannabis in Maine. Many customers assume that medical-grade cannabis is more potent or somehow better tested, but that is not the case. All products that enter the cannabis market in the state of Maine are cultivated, processed, tested, and distributed using the same processes.

What you will see more of in medical dispensaries are products centered specifically around cannabis for wellness. For example, you may find more products formulated with major and minor cannabinoids or other ingredients to support certain types of patients. A good example is Healer edibles, which are often formulated with cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol) or CBN (cannabinol), or even melatonin for sleep support.

Are the Brands Available at Medical Dispensaries the Same as Recreational Dispensaries?

The products found in the two different types of dispensaries often come from different brands or cultivators simply because most brands choose to cater to one type of customer or another. For example, Casco Botanicals is a popular flower brand in medical dispensaries, but Grass Roots flower can only be found in recreational dispensaries.

While this is a common occurrence, it is not the rule; some brands can be found in both types of dispensaries. For example, Squire’s Specialty THC drinks are available in medical and adult-use dispensaries.

Are There Purchase Limit Differences?

Both recreational and medical customers have the same purchase limits in Maine. That means both can buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower, cannabis products, and concentrates. This limit includes only up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates.

Are There Taxation Differences?

Yes. Recreational cannabis comes along with a 10% sales tax imposed by the state. This tax is automatically added when you make a purchase at the dispensary. By contrast, medical cannabis patients do not face the added sales tax on products. Therefore, medical patients do see an overall lower cost when they purchase products at the dispensary.

Can Medical Patients Shop at Recreational Dispensaries?

All adults who are over the age of 21 can shop at a recreational cannabis dispensary. However, at a recreational dispensary, all customers must pay the 10% sales tax, and the medical marijuana card will not be requested or accepted. By contrast, adult-use customers cannot make a purchase at a medical dispensary without a state-issued medical cannabis card.

Can Recreational and Medical Customers Buy Seeds to Grow Their Own Plants?

Yes! Both medical and adult customers can purchase seeds at the dispensary if they intend to grow their own plants at home. Maine has legalized home growing for all adults 21 and up. Both are allowed to have up to three mature, flowering plants and 12 immature plants, as well as an unlimited number of seedlings.

If you have grown your own, you are also legally allowed to possess however much flower you harvest from those plants without penalty. Just be sure the plants are kept out of public view, tagged with the owner’s name and information, and grown only on land where you have the property owner’s permission.

Shop for Medical and Recreational Marijuana at Grams Five & Dime

Grams Five & Dime is happy to be able to serve all types of cannabis customers in Maine with the best cannabis flower and products in the state. If you have questions about shopping for either type of cannabis, be sure to reach out or ask one of our budtenders for help when you stop by our Newport or Detroit dispensaries.

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