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by Sam DeCoste,WGME
AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) — A debate involving the regulation of medical marijuana is taking center stage in Augusta.
State law does require recreational cannabis to be tested. It also subjects medical cannabis dispensaries to inspections and tests for quality control.
A new bill would enforce stricter safeguards.
The bill’s sponsor says she’s been trying to get a bill like this over the line for the last 10 years.
Not all lawmakers and industry leaders agree that adding new regulations would be beneficial for the consumers or business owners.
“They’re creating a lot of fear,” said Rep. David Boye, (R – Poland).
“It’s a medicine and it needs to be safe,” said Rep. Anne Graham, (D – North Yarmouth).
Graham calls her bill a commonsense measure.
If passed, cannabis producers would be required to test their products for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or mold. Those tests would also be more strictly tracked by the state.
Graham believes there’s currently a lack of oversight.
“I think of individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy who are at risk because their immune systems are suppressed. If you’re not sure the cannabis has been tested, and is free of contaminants, such as pesticides and molds, they could literally die,” Graham said.
Boyer also serves on the committee considering the bill. He claims the bill would do more harm than good for industry businesses and consumers.
“Medical cannabis is the duct tape and bubble gum holding our rural economy together. It’s going to make the price of cannabis go higher, and make the cannabis on the illicit market more attractive and more affordable,” Boyer said.
Lizzy Hayes is a cannabis caregiver and has co-owned a mom-and-pop business for about five years. She says she conducts her own audited tests already.
If the bill passes, Hayes says she would be required to use radio frequency identification tags on every package of product, which would cost significantly more money.
“Based on my operation last year, my testing bill would have been over $50,000. That’s just not sustainable for my very small, outdoor, organic company,” Hayes said.
Hayes is concerned she would be forced to sell fewer products just to keep up.
“I don’t know if we would be able to stay in business. But it certainly wouldn’t be what we are able to provide now,” Hayes said.
The bill is currently in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
There are three different versions of the bill, and they will be considered by the full legislature soon.
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