AUGUSTA — The full Maine Legislature will likely soon be asked to consider whether to require testing for medical cannabis that’s similar to requirements already in place for recreational cannabis.

Public health officials say the new program will help detect potentially harmful substances such as metals, molds and pesticides that could be dangerous for those with medical conditions.

“We are the only state out of more than 30 states with medical cannabis programs that does not require and enforce testing of containments and tracking of the products,” said Matt Wellington, associate director, Maine Public Health Association.

Prior to committee consideration of the bill, Catherine Lewis, a caregiver and cannabis consultant, and Tammy Smith, board chairwoman for the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine, said they support efforts to require testing of medical cannabis.

But they raised several issues with the proposed legislation, including new packaging and labeling requirements. Lewis said cannabis caregivers are often small local businesses, many of whom will not be able to afford new machines for blister packaging.

They are also concerned that the bill proposes to put medical cannabis in the same testing system that’s used by recreational cannabis companies.

Matt Wellington, associate director, Maine Public Health Association, talks about his support for the medical cannabis testing bill. (Spectrum News/Susan Cover)

“Right now, adult use is trying to get the state to fix the problems with those requirements for the adult use side,” Lewis said. “Why would we put medical under the same problem that adult use has?”

The bill, LD 1847, is sponsored by Rep. Anne Graham (D-North Yarmouth). The Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee conducted a detailed analysis of the bill on Wednesday.

Maine has two systems that govern the sale of cannabis. One is a medical program that has more than 1,500 registered caregivers who serve more 100,000 people each year, according to the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.

The adult-use or recreational program had more than $246 million in sales in 2025. So far this year, the adult use sector has reported about $7.6 million in sales.

From the public health perspective, the legislation to require testing of medical cannabis is a long overdue protection for patients.

“I want folks to know that they can have confidence in the products they are consuming for managing medical conditions and right now they just can’t really have that in the medical cannabis program and that’s a shame,” Wellington said.

Tammy Smith, left, and Catherine Lewis, who both represent Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine, talk about their concerns with parts of the medical cannabis testing bill. (Spectrum News/Susan Cover)