Navigating Maine’s Cannabis Growing Laws: What Home Growers Need to Know

Maine's cannabis growing laws have made it possible for adults to grow their own cannabis at home, but there are important details and restrictions you need to follow to stay legal. Let's break it all down!

Who Can Grow?

In Maine, you must be 21 or older to legally grow cannabis at home. If you’re renting, check your lease - landlords can prohibit cannabis cultivation on their property.

Plant Limits

Maine allows each adult to grow:

• Up to 3 mature plants (these are the ones producing usable bud).
• Up to 12 immature plants (not flowering yet, but bigger than seedlings).
• Unlimited seedlings (tiny plants not yet fully established).

Importantly, these limits apply per adult, not per household. So if you and your partner are both 21+, you could grow 6 mature plants together.

Household Limits

Maine’s law doesn’t set a maximum per household, but the catch is that every grower must be 21+ and have control over their own plants. This means multiple adults in a home can each grow up to the legal limit if they’re all involved and 21+.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing

You can grow indoors or outdoors, but there are some important privacy requirements for outdoor growing:

• Plants must be in an enclosed, locked area that’s not visible to the public.
• Use fencing or plant screens if needed to keep your garden hidden from public view.
• If you’re growing indoors, consider setting up a designated grow room or tent with ventilation and lights.

Selling and Sharing

Maine law is strict about who can sell cannabis. You cannot sell cannabis grown at home unless you’re a licensed dispensary or grower. However, you can gift up to 2.5 ounces (or equivalent cannabis products) to another adult, as long as there’s no payment or compensation involved.

Public Possession

When you’re out and about, adults 21+ can legally possess:

• Up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis or cannabis products.
• Up to 5 grams of concentrate (like hash or oil).

Stay within these limits and never use cannabis in public - it’s only allowed on private property.

Safe Storage at Home

Maine doesn’t require specific storage rules, but best practices include:

• Keep it out of reach of minors.
• Store in childproof containers.
• Label your jars or stash boxes clearly.

Important Reminders

✔️ You must own or have permission to grow cannabis on the property.
✔️ Municipalities can have stricter rules — always check your local city or town’s ordinances.
✔️ Don’t let your grow become a public nuisance — strong smells and messy setups can cause complaints.

Key Takeaway's

Maine’s cannabis growing laws are friendly to home growers, but staying compliant is crucial. Focus on these essentials:

• 21+? You're good to go.
• 3 mature plants per adult - no household cap if everyone's legal.
• Keep outdoor grows out of public view.
• No selling!

At HomeGrow Helpline, we're here to help you turn your green thumb into a homegrown success story. Our resources help you grow smarter, safer, and more confidently.