An Act Regarding Background Checks for Medical Cannabis Providers
Sponsored By: Ann Fredericks (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 2 mixed.
Business officers must pass background checks
If your business applies for a medical cannabis registration certificate, every officer and director must pass a criminal history check. List each officer’s name, address, and date of birth in the application. The Department cannot issue the certificate if any officer or director has a disqualifying drug conviction.
Annual checks for cannabis manufacturing staff
If you work at a registered manufacturing facility or perform certain extraction work, the Department checks your criminal history every year. A disqualifying drug conviction blocks a registry identification card.
Long-term care staff must pass checks
A long-term care facility that helps a qualifying patient with medical cannabis must register. Any staff who will assist must be at least 21 and pass a criminal history check. Staff with a disqualifying drug conviction cannot assist. The facility and its staff may not cultivate plants for the patient.
Testing labs need checks to handle samples
A cannabis testing facility can receive and keep samples only if it follows the rules and passes a criminal history check. This covers samples from patients, caregivers, dispensaries, and manufacturing facilities.
New background checks for cannabis applicants
Effective April 3, 2026, Maine runs a standard background-check program for the medical cannabis system. Applicants, registrants, and registrant agents must be fingerprinted and checked against state and FBI records. Checks are valid for two years and generally repeat every two years. Assistants are exempt. A disqualifying drug conviction blocks a registry card or registration. You or your business pay a $31–$60 fee. The Department keeps results confidential and uses them only for screening.
School caregivers checked; parents exempt
If you are the caregiver designated to give medical cannabis at school, the Department checks your criminal history. Parents, legal guardians, and a person with legal custody are exempt from the check. A disqualifying drug conviction, or a result that would block approvals under school laws, stops you from getting a registry ID.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ann Fredericks
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Chad Perkins
Republican • House
David Boyer
Republican • House
Donald Ardell
Republican • House
Trey L. Stewart
Republican • Senate
Michael Soboleski
Republican • House
Rachel Henderson
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 611
4/3/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
3/30/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/26/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-874) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-874), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
3/25/2026SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-874).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/24/2026HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on April 11, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
4/11/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-874), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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