176 acres of hemp were grown in Maine in 2020, down from 2,081 acres in 2019
On this page you will find Maine hemp law along with a history of how Maine hemp bills have progressed through the State capitol over the years. We also provide links to important information concerning Maine hemp programs and state agency advisories or opinion letters. Our goal is to keep the public, media and policy makers informed on each states status concerning hemp law and policy.
2015
LD 4
This bill removes the requirements that an applicant for an initial license to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes must submit a set of the applicant’s fingerprints and file with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry documentation indicating that the seeds planted were a type and variety of hemp approved by the commissioner and also repeals the provision that licensure is contingent upon action by the Federal Government.
The bill requires that any hemp seeds acquired for cultivation of hemp in the State must come from an approved Canadian producer of hemp seeds. It allows the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to issue licenses for hemp seed distribution to holders of seed labeling licenses. It also allows hemp growers licensed by the State to acquire hemp seeds directly from a producer in Canada or from a state-licensed hemp seed distributor. It requires that application fees and license fees must be established by major substantive rules. It includes an appropriations and allocations section.
Status: Vetoed by Gov. LaPage May 8, 2015, Veto overridden June 16, 2015
This bill removes the requirement for certain federal action before a license for industrial hemp cultivation may be issued.
2013
LD 525
This bill removes the requirements that an applicant for an initial license to grow industrial hemp for commercial purposes must submit a set of the applicant’s fingerprints and file with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry documentation indicating that the seeds planted were a type and variety of hemp approved by the commissioner and also repeals the provision that licensure is contingent upon action by the Federal Government.
Introduced on 2/15/2013. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 2/19/2013.
Download the text of LD 53 as Introduced here (PDF file 33k).
2009
LD 1159
An Act Relating to Industrial Hemp. This bill allows a person to grow industrial hemp if that person holds a license issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources and the hemp is grown under a federal permit in compliance with the conditions of that permit. Last House Action: Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed on 3/25/09. The Bill was Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 3/25/09. Last Senate Action: Under suspension of the Rules On motion by Senator Nutting of Androscoggin, Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and ordered printed, in concurrence on 3/25/09. Public hearing held on 4/6/09 and work session on 4/8/09. Committee vote “Anticipated Divided Report” on 4/8/09. Committee Report, Majority: Ought To Pass as Amemded, Minority: Ought Not To Pass by a vote of 10 to 1 on 5/22/09. In the House: The Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was Accepted. The Bill was Read Once. Tomorrow assigned for Second Reading on 5/26/09. Second Reading Reports no further verbal amendments necessary. The Bill was Read the Second Time and Passed To Be Engrossed as Amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-356), Sent for concurrence and Ordered Sent Forthwith on 5/27/09. In the Senate: Reports READ. Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin moved to Accept Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-356) Report in concurrence Roll Call Ordered. On motion by Senator COURTNEY of York Tabled until Later in Today’s Session, pending Motion by Senator NUTTING of Androscoggin to ACCEPT Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-356) Report in concurrence. Unfinished Business on 5/28/09. Majority Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment “A” (H-356) Report Accepted in concurrence. Roll Call #122, Vote 25 Yeas – 10 Nays. Read Once Committee Amendment “A” (H-356). Read and Adopted in concurrence. Assigned for Second Reading next Legislative Day on 5/29/09. Read A Second Time And Passed To Be Engrossed As Amended By Committee Amendment “A” (H-356) in concurrence on 6/1/09. Last House Action – Passed To Be Enacted. Sent for concurrence. Ordered Sent Forthwith on 6/3/09. Last Senate Action – Under suspension of the Rules Passed To Be Enacted in concurrence on 6/3/09. Signed by Governor Baldacci on 6/9/09.
Download the text of LD 1159 as Introduced here (PDF file 12k)
Download the text of LD 1159 as Amended & Engrossed here (PDF file 16k)
Download the text of Public Law, Chapter 320 as Enacted here (PDF file 12k).
“Resolve, To Promote the Use of Alternative Fiber.” Last House Action: Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed on 3/5/09. The Resolve was Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on 3/5/09. Senate Action: Under suspension of the Rules On motion by Senator Nutting of Androscoggin, Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and ordered printed, in concurrence on 3/5/09. Public hearing held on 4/6/09 and work session on 4/8/09. Committee vote “Ought Not to Pass” on 4/8/09 (in deference to LD 1159). Committee Report “Ought Not to Pass” on 4/13/09. Senate Action: Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on 4/15/09.
Download the text of LD 893 as Introduced here (PDF file 8k).
2003
LD 53
Passed into law on 4/18/03.
Download the text of LD 53 as Introduced here (PDF file 5k).
Download the text of LD 53 as Amended here (PDF file 6k).
2002
LD 1174
Died between houses.
Download the text of LD 1174 here (PDF file 3k).