In Maine, communities with adult-use cannabis businesses do not receive any share of the revenue generated from their operation. Taxes collected on cannabis sales go directly into the state’s General Fund. Lawmakers in Maine are looking to grant cities and towns a one time $20,000 reimbursement for the upfront cost that it took to establish their local cannabis business licensing and regulations.
According to Senator Ben Chipman of Cumberland the local costs have deterred many cities and towns from hosting marijuana businesses. Only ten percent of municipalities in Maine have gone ahead to allow adult-use businesses. The reimbursement is designed to help cover the financial burden that is involved with the opt-in process.
The legislation has already passed through the Maine House and Senate.
Find out more about this story from the Portland Press Herald here: https://www.pressherald.com/2022/04/15/legislature-approves-reimbursing-towns-that-allow-retail-marijuana-sales/