Maine Cannabis Glossary
Understanding the specific language of the Maine market is essential for compliance and success. Use this resource to master the technical terms used by regulators and professionals.
280E (Internal Revenue Code)
A federal tax code that prohibits businesses involved in the trafficking of Schedule I or II substances (including cannabis) from deducting ordinary business expenses, often leading to effective tax rates of 70% or higher.
Adult Use Cannabis
Cannabis cultivated, manufactured, distributed, or sold by a cannabis establishment for recreational use by adults aged 21 and older, as regulated by Title 28-B.
AIC (Authorized Individual Card)
A card issued by the Maine OCP to individuals who are authorized to be owners, officers, or managers of a cannabis establishment.
Caregiver
A person or entity registered under the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Act to cultivate and provide cannabis to qualifying medical patients.
COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)
The direct costs associated with producing products. Under 280E, cannabis businesses are generally only allowed to deduct COGS from their gross income.
Conditional License
The first stage of Maine's licensing process. A conditional license allows an applicant to seek local authorization but does not permit the operation of a cannabis business.
Culpability
The level of responsibility or liability a licensee has for violations occurring on their premises or by their employees.
IIC (Individual Identification Card)
A mandatory identification card issued by the OCP for all employees and contractors working within a licensed Maine cannabis establishment.
Licensed Premises
The specific physical location and building(s) identified in a license where cannabis activity is authorized to take place.
Limited Access Area
Specific zones within a licensed premises where cannabis or cannabis products are stored, weighed, or processed, restricted to IIC holders only.
Manufacturing
The production, blending, infusing, or preparation of cannabis products, including extraction and edible production.
Metrc
The official 'Seed-to-Sale' tracking system used by the State of Maine to monitor the movement of cannabis plants and products through the supply chain.
Municipal Opt-In
The requirement that a Maine city or town must formally vote to allow adult-use cannabis businesses before any state licenses can be activated in that jurisdiction.
OCP (Office of Cannabis Policy)
The division within the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services responsible for regulating and overseeing the state's cannabis programs.
Qualifying Patient
A person who has been diagnosed by a medical professional as having a debilitating medical condition and is authorized to use medical cannabis.
Seed-to-Sale
A regulatory system that tracks cannabis from the initial seed/clone stage through cultivation, harvesting, processing, and final retail sale.
Track and Trace
The real-time monitoring process used by regulators to prevent diversion and ensure product safety within the legal market.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. Maine regulations set strict limits on THC concentration per serving in edibles.
Tier 1-4 Cultivation
Maine's tiered licensing system for cultivation facilities based on canopy size, ranging from Tier 1 (up to 500 sq ft) to Tier 4 (up to 20,000 sq ft).
Universal Symbol
The mandatory red 'NOT SAFE FOR KIDS' image required on all cannabis packaging in Maine to identify products containing THC.
Need more detail?
Our deep-dive guides expand on many of these terms with step-by-step instructions.
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