You Could Soon Be Legally Allowed to Smoke Pot Inside Maine Bars

The desire for 'cannabis social clubs' is growing in Maine and politicians say that the opportunity for places like that to open may be coming down the line.

According to an article published by the Kennebec Journal, a voter referendum back in 2016 was passed which would allow people to order THC-infused beverages and smoke marijuana inside approved social clubs and bars.

Why has it taken so long for action to be taken after the referendum passed?

However, since the referendum was approved, no progress has been made toward making that plan a reality. The Kennebec Journal says that the fairly new Maine Office of Cannabis Policy's Hospitality Task Force is looking into different ways, including a new bill proposal, that would regulate 'cannabis hospitality establishments'.

The primary objective of this Maine taskforce, according to the newspaper, is to take a look at different ways that they could license as well as regulate these kinds of new establishments. As you might imagine, this will take some time as nothing quite like this has never been done in the state of Maine anymore.

Where is the taskforce at in the overall process?

The taskforce is set to release a report that will help guide Maine legislators in crafting appropriate bills that will help in the regulation and management of these potentially upcoming social clubs.

The important thing to keep in mind is that this would only allow for marijuana consumption at designated bars and social clubs in Maine. It's not like you would walk into an Applebee's and the hostess would ask you for doobies or non-doobies.

What types of establishments would allow pot consumption?

The Kennebec Journal said that the 20-person group have been looking at many different options that include restaurants and 'bud-and-breakfast-style inns', however, they have determined that two different models would likely be the most successful and easy to regulate.

The taskforce has said that they believe 'consumption lounges' and marijuana-style trade shows would be the best for Maine when it comes to 'marijuana social clubs' or events where consuming is allowed.

Are there other Maine spots that could soon allow it, too?

The KJ went on to say that a majority of the taskforce members are also in favor of potentially allowing cannabis consumption at events like concerts and fairs.