Although Maine is still struggling to launch its recreational marijuana market, there is hope that the State Legislature will make it happen in the near future. For the second time in two years, Republican Governor Paul LePage vetoed a bill designed to establish retail pot sales. This was done, he said, because the measure did not provide enough safeguards in the interest of public safety. But this snag is definitely not stopping marijuana from going mainstream in the Pine Tree State. It will be one of the featured attractions this year during the Home Garden Flower Show at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, according to a report from the Conway Daily Sun.
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Unlike years past, the garden show, which features exhibitors from throughout New England, will allow the cannabis scene to be represented. Although organizers have prohibited anything containing THC from being sold on the grounds, a number of cannabis industry representatives will be on-site slinging seed kits and a variety of products made from cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating part of the cannabis plant. The no THC rule was made because it is not yet legal to sell in Maine. Marijuana is, however, legal to grow, possess and use for adults 21 and older all across the state.
Considering that it could be 2019 before Maine’s retail cannabis market is fully operational, cannabis consumers will have no way to legally get their hands on the herb for the next several months unless they grow their own. This garden show could be a solid start for those people new to the concept of home cultivation. There will be several demonstrations offered on this subject, including how-to’s on feeding and caring for pot plants.
“Gardening has always been a big part of the show, and seminars on garden-related topics will take place all three days,” reports the Sun.
In addition to panels on growing cannabis, there will be presentations over medical marijuana and wellness. Maine has been home to therapeutic cannabis program for almost 20 years. It gives patients suffering from a number of qualified conditions permission to purchase the herb from a caregiver or dispensary. The state’s program was the focus of a recent CNN Special Report entitled “Weed 4: Pot vs. Pills” with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, in which many patients said they have used medical marijuana as a way out of opioid addiction.
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The Home Garden Flower Show will take place May 19-20. Hopefully, if all of the drama gets hashed out in the next legislative session, these types of events will become more prevalent statewide. Perhaps next year, the garden show will have the freedom to opens its doors to products containing THC.
