Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I I I N O. X I I I J U N E 2 7 , 2 0 2 2 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Research to accurately reflect the or- ganization's role in conducting a range of health care research throughout the MaineHealth system in Maine and New Hampshire. Thomas College in Waterville an- nounced that it was awarded a three- year, $135,000 grant by the Davis Educational Foundation to support new approaches to scientific and quantitative literacy. Waterville Creates said it was recom- mended for a $10,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endow- ment for the Arts in support of the "Com- mon Threads" project, which will invite the community to engage in program- ming at and around the Paul J. Schupf Art Center in downtown Waterville. A historic stone barn and associated farmland, in a rural neighborhood outside of downtown Bar Harbor, is the focal point of the creation of a new preserve. The nonprofit Maine Coast Heritage Trust said it has started construction on a 35-space parking lot, begun renovations on the historic barn and hired a community outreach coordinator for the newly named Stone Barn Farm Preserve. Over 200 donors have contributed to reach a $2.5 mil- lion goal for the multi-year project. Husson University said it received a $2.2 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation that will accelerate the implementation of programs for the new School of Technology and In- novation. The school is part of Bangor- based Husson's College of Business, the largest business college in the state. The grant will help support Hus- son's programs in integrated technol- ogy and the university's new degree in extended reality B I Z M O N E Y Regulators say legal pot is taking away business from illicit sellers B y J e s s i c a H a l l T he growth of Maine's recreational cannabis market may be displacing much of the illicit one. The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy estimated that 64% of cannabis used by Mainers between November and December last year came from a regulated or otherwise legal source. The remaining 36% was from illicit sources. That breakdown beat the office's expectations. "When accounting for the time since the first adult-use store was opened in Maine [in October 2020], the current in-state illicit market is likely smaller than in most other states with adult-use cannabis laws, suggesting Maine is likely effectively curbing the illicit market at a greater rate than most other states with adult-use laws," regulators said. The report examined how cannabis consumption, market dynamics and health outcomes varied by geographic region and other variables. In Maine, there are 90 active adult-use retail cannabis stores across 34 municipalities. In their first full year of sales, retailers had adult-use revenue of $82 million in 2021, compared with $4.3 million in 2020, after sales were legal- ized in October. Through May of this year, sales of adult-use marijuana totaled $51.5 million, putting Maine on pace to surpass last year's sales. Buying local The presence of an adult-use store in a consumer's ZIP code may give a consumer the incentive to buy cannabis from the regulated market instead of the illicit market, the study found. Survey respondents who accessed cannabis from adult- use stores did not report negative health behaviors, such as cannabis-use disorder or driving under the influence of cannabis, concerns which were prevalent in illicit and medi- cal markets, the report found. For its report, the Office of Cannabis Policy surveyed 2,000 people across 262 zip codes in Maine. The survey was con- ducted in partnership with Advocates for Human Potential Inc., led by Michael Sofis, a researcher who specializes in cannabis-demand and consumption behavior. "We are pleased to release this report that highlights the successful launch of Maine's adult use market," said the state's top cannabis regulator, OCP Director Erik Gundersen. "The findings in this report point to policies and practices that promote and preserve public health and safety, while allowing legal businesses to compete." "Make no mistake, the findings of this report show that the implementation of the adult use market in the state of Maine may be considered an achievement in both public health and cannabis policy," said Sofis. In Maine, there are 90 active adult-use retail cannabis stores across 34 municipalities. A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y H i l l a r y L i s t e r , a n A C E m e m b e r a n d a d v i s o r The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: What actions can I take to successfully operate a cannabis business in Maine? ACE Advises: Think local: Regulations governing how and if a cannabis business can operate in a given location vary widely by state and municipality. What's legal in Colorado is not necessarily legal in Maine. What's permitted in Scarborough is significantly different from what's allowed in Skowhegan. Take the time to learn the details of local ordinance and zoning requirements. It is equally important to develop and maintain local markets for the businesses. Until the Federal government legalizes interstate sale, medical and adult use cannabis produced in Maine can be distributed and sold solely within the state. Prepare to adapt: The only constant is change when it comes to requirements for legal cannabis cultivation, processing, and distribution. Federal regulations impacting access to financial institutions are in a state of flux. The state legisla- ture and regulatory agencies modify dozens of laws and rules each year governing the operation and taxation of cannabis businesses in Maine. Plan for the long term: Numerous licenses and permits are required before a cannabis business can begin operations and they must be regularly renewed. Approval pro- cesses take months to complete. If filing deadlines are missed or applications lack adequate proof of compliance with local and state regulations, the process can expand from months to years. Invest in knowledgeable guides: A regulatory compliance specialist experienced in navigating state and local licens- ing processes can work with a business owner to develop realistic timelines and put together quality application mate- rials. Obtaining guidance from professionals experienced in assisting Maine cannabis businesses maximizes your ability to invest wisely and develop a sustainable operation that can weather the state's changing regulatory climate. Hillary Lister is a solo practitioner providing professional guidance for small businesses and organizations seeking to effectively navigate Maine's changing regulatory landscape. She can be reached at hillarylister@mainematters.net N O T E W O R T H Y C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N N O T E W O R T H Y M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T N O T E W O R T H Y N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N N O R T H E R N & E A S T E R N

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