Clarifying Weed Terms in Maine

There are so many terms used to describe the world of weed, and where to get it when you are in Maine. . So, let’s talk about it. In this blog, we’ll touch on some basic terms you may hear in the cannabis industry and specifically diving into Maine, both medical and recreational markets, and the newest update to the industry… delivery.

Weed, Marijuana, Cannabis… What is it?

Weed, marijuana, and cannabis all refer to the same plant that you might encounter in Maine. "Cannabis" is the scientific term used in medical and legal contexts. "Marijuana" is a common name that has become more problematic as it is associated with a decades long campaign to vilify the cannabis plant. "Weed" is probably the most common and casual term used in everyday conversation. No matter which word you hear, they all describe the same plant known for its relaxing and medicinal effects.

Regardless of which word resonates with you, cannabis is a plant used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It contains compounds like THC, which causes a cerebral high, and CBD, known for its soothing benefits without the psychoactive effects. In Maine, cannabis is legal and available as flower and in various forms such as edibles and oils both medically and recreationally.. People use it to relax, relieve pain, or simply enjoy its effects.

What’s the difference between THC and CBD?

THC and CBD are both compounds found in the cannabis plant, but they have different effects. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the component that causes the high or euphoric feeling associated with marijuana. It can alter your perception and mood, making activities more enjoyable. In the Maine recreational cannabis market, you’ll notice that products are tested for their THC levels to provide more insights for users, which is noted for each product. You can find the right THC percentage for you on our online menu: https://seaweedmaine.com/sopopreorder

On the other hand, CBD, or cannabidiol, does not cause a mental high but is often attributed to a body high. It can be used for potential benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Many products, like most of ours here at SeaWeed Co., combine both THC and CBD to offer a balance of effects, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of both. Learn more about our Relief Collection here that provides a variety of ratios in a series of different products like edibles, tinctures, and cartridges.

Come to one of our retail locations to discuss with a mermaid or check out our menus at your preferred location to choose what’s best for you.

Where can you get your weed?

When looking at the Maine cannabis industry it can be confusing to understand where the best place is to get your weed. First, there are a few questions to ask yourself: Do you have a medical card? If the answer is no, do you have a valid ID like a passport or license?

Though you can visit SeaWeed Co. and other dispensaries while visiting from out of state, there are a wide variety of purveyors with different benefits that are important to understand before you visit such as…

Medical Dispensaries

Maine voted to legalize medical marijuana (as it was widely known then) in 1999 by referendum. In 2009 the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Program (MMCP) was established and initially 8 dispensary licenses were issued which grew to 35 by 2022. These are typically companies that serve the medical market. Anyone with a state issued medical cannabis card or a qualifying card from out of state may visit a Maine medical cannabis dispensary. See full list for details https://www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp/medical-use/visiting-patients

Medical Caregiver Storefronts

In 2017, a law was enacted to allow licensed individual medical caregivers to open retail storefronts, allowing individual caregivers to serve patients. The program flourished with the number of caregivers going up to 3,032 in 2021. As of the office of cannabis policy’s 2022 report there were at least 259 caregiver storefronts where medical patients could access weed and our Auburn facility is one of them! At SeaWeed Co., we offer medical direct to patient sales out of our manufacturing facility in Auburn. Anyone with a state issued medical cannabis card or a qualifying card from out of state may visit a caregiver storefront, including ours. You can find the full list of qualifying states here: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp/medical-use/visiting-patients

Learn more about our storefront here: https://seaweedmaine.com/wholesale

Adult-Use or Recreational Dispensaries and Stores

Adult-Use Stores is the official term for what is more commonly known as “recreational” cannabis dispensary, where the recreational user can buy their weed. This was voted into law in 2016, but active licenses were not issued until 2020. Recreational dispensaries offer the same glorious access to weed without the need for a medical card and with some additional rules that are not required of the medical market. At an adult-use store you only need government issued identification demonstrating you are 21 or older to make a purchase. Note that all recreational cannabis products must be tested for potency, which must be published on the packaging, as well as harmful pesticides and heavy metals to ensure it is appropriate for human consumption. You can find our recreational stores in Portland (in the same plaza at Chipotle and Orange Theory Fitness) and South Portland (on Running Hill Rd. across from Target).

Weed Delivery

While there have been medical marijuana delivery services operating in Maine for some time, adult-use stores are also now allowed to serve customers anywhere in the state out of their retail locations. We are proud to be one of those retailers doing so! Here at SeaWeed Co. we are currently delivering out of our South Portland recreational dispenary, serving the Greater Portland area. This includes South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough, Saco, Gorham, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Yarmouth, and Old Orchard. With our free delivery service, you can get anything from our recreational menu delivery right to you, every week, from Thursday to Saturday! Give it a try: https://seaweedmaine.com/sopopreorder

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Come Say High!

At SeaWeed Co. we believe in the power of cannabis to enhance well-being, whether you call it weed or marijuana, whether you buy medical or order recreational delivery. We are here to provide access to this wonderful plant and the benefits that cannabis derived products can deliver. Come on by, and ask a mermaid about the right cannabis options for you.