In a move that has cannabis business owners across Maine on high alert, lawmakers are considering legislation that would implement one of the nation's strictest cannabis advertising bans. The proposed bill, LD903, would effectively limit cannabis promotion to just company websites, on-premise signage, business directories, and company properties - eliminating nearly all other forms of advertising currently available to the state's cannabis businesses.
Republican Senator Scott Cyrway, the bill's primary sponsor, has cited concerns about protecting children from cannabis advertising as the main motivation behind the proposal. "There's a lack of adequate regulations in our existing adult-use cannabis law," Cyrway stated, suggesting current protections don't go far enough.
Industry Pushback
Industry response has been swift and largely negative. Kasper Heinrici, CEO of dispensary Seaweed Co., voiced strong opposition, arguing that advertising should remain permissible as long as it doesn't target minors.
"This isn't just about profits," said one dispensary owner who requested anonymity. "It's about being able to educate consumers about product options, safety information, and how different strains might benefit them. Without advertising, we're pushing consumers back toward the black market where there's zero regulation or safety standards."
Adrian Alie, another industry stakeholder, agrees that cannabis advertisements are acceptable provided they don't appeal to minors. Many cannabis business owners fear the economic fallout that could result from such severe limitations.
Not all reactions have been negative, however. Paul Hawkes expressed support for the proposed ban, citing concerns about potential negative health impacts of cannabis use, particularly related to lung health and overall wellbeing.
Current vs. Proposed Regulations
Maine's cannabis industry already operates under significant advertising restrictions:
The proposed LD903 would dramatically tighten these rules, essentially limiting cannabis businesses to:
National Context
Maine's proposed approach would be among the strictest in the nation. While some states like Alaska ban specific advertising methods such as billboards, and Massachusetts prohibits bright colors in cannabis branding, few have considered such comprehensive restrictions.
In Vermont, a lawsuit is currently challenging cannabis advertising restrictions on free speech grounds, highlighting the potential legal challenges that could face Maine's proposed ban.
What's Next
The bill was introduced on March 5, 2025, sponsored by Senators Scott Cyrway, Bradlee Farrin, Joseph Baldacci, and Susan Bernard. The crucial public hearing scheduled for March 19th at the State House will determine its fate.
Cannabis business owners and advocates are mobilizing to make their voices heard before the committee makes its recommendation. The outcome will likely shape the future of Maine's cannabis industry for years to come, potentially setting precedents for other states considering similar restrictions.
- Near-total ban on cannabis advertising outside of company websites and premises
- Elimination of print, radio, TV, social media, and billboard advertising
- Impacts both medical and recreational cannabis businesses
- Public hearing scheduled for March 19, 2025
Republican Senator Scott Cyrway, the bill's primary sponsor, has cited concerns about protecting children from cannabis advertising as the main motivation behind the proposal. "There's a lack of adequate regulations in our existing adult-use cannabis law," Cyrway stated, suggesting current protections don't go far enough.
Industry Pushback
Industry response has been swift and largely negative. Kasper Heinrici, CEO of dispensary Seaweed Co., voiced strong opposition, arguing that advertising should remain permissible as long as it doesn't target minors.
"This isn't just about profits," said one dispensary owner who requested anonymity. "It's about being able to educate consumers about product options, safety information, and how different strains might benefit them. Without advertising, we're pushing consumers back toward the black market where there's zero regulation or safety standards."
Adrian Alie, another industry stakeholder, agrees that cannabis advertisements are acceptable provided they don't appeal to minors. Many cannabis business owners fear the economic fallout that could result from such severe limitations.
- Inability to reach and educate adult consumers
- Potential boost to unregulated black market
- Competitive disadvantage compared to other states
- Limited ability to differentiate products and services
Not all reactions have been negative, however. Paul Hawkes expressed support for the proposed ban, citing concerns about potential negative health impacts of cannabis use, particularly related to lung health and overall wellbeing.
Current vs. Proposed Regulations
Maine's cannabis industry already operates under significant advertising restrictions:
- No misleading or false advertising
- No advertising within 1,000 feet of schools (municipalities can reduce to 500 feet)
- No unsubstantiated health claims
- Age verification required for websites and digital marketing
- Mandatory warning statements on all advertisements
- No imagery appealing to minors
The proposed LD903 would dramatically tighten these rules, essentially limiting cannabis businesses to:
- Company websites (information only)
- On-premise signage (with restrictions)
- Business directories
- Company property advertisements
National Context
Maine's proposed approach would be among the strictest in the nation. While some states like Alaska ban specific advertising methods such as billboards, and Massachusetts prohibits bright colors in cannabis branding, few have considered such comprehensive restrictions.
In Vermont, a lawsuit is currently challenging cannabis advertising restrictions on free speech grounds, highlighting the potential legal challenges that could face Maine's proposed ban.
What's Next
The bill was introduced on March 5, 2025, sponsored by Senators Scott Cyrway, Bradlee Farrin, Joseph Baldacci, and Susan Bernard. The crucial public hearing scheduled for March 19th at the State House will determine its fate.
- Attend the public hearing at the State House, Room 437
- Contact members of the Senate Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee
- Submit written testimony if unable to attend in person
- Join industry advocacy groups organizing opposition
Cannabis business owners and advocates are mobilizing to make their voices heard before the committee makes its recommendation. The outcome will likely shape the future of Maine's cannabis industry for years to come, potentially setting precedents for other states considering similar restrictions.
