MAINE, USA — Several changes to Maine's cannabis regulations and rules are around the corner as a new state law goes into effect.
Sponsored by state Sen. Craig Hickman, the new law will revise several procedures such as how cannabis is stored and sold, both medically and recreationally.
"What has happened over time is varying laws have been passed around cannabis, and in some cases, those conflicted," said John Hudak, director of the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.
The new law, expected to take effect this summer, will make marijuana stores more akin to liquor stores by eliminating the requirement to show identification at the door, allowing minors inside with a legal guardian present, and allowing samples.
This changes come as federal leaders look to recategorize cannabis as a less dangerous substance, according to NBC News.
Business owners in Maine said the new law and recategorization could open up a lot of doors.
"The milligrams might change, the testing might change ... it might be a requirement for us medical dispensaries to start testing like recreational [dispensaries,]" said Miranda Vining, who runs Cultivate 207 in Brunswick.
The owner and employees of Stoner and Co. Cannabis in Biddeford said the changes could give dispensaries an edge to compete with breweries and allow tax deductions on certain business expenses.
"I think it would probably open up banks for more lending," owner Morgan Stoner said. "It's going to be amazing, it's really going to free up the market a lot."