MILO, Maine (WABI) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is reclassifying medical cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. The move has sparked confusion among Maine caregivers.
Caregivers say communication is lacking
Maine caregivers report that the DEA has not clarified registration requirements. Shannon Lord, owner of Triple Goddess Wellness in Milo, said vendors asked if they were applying, and she had no answer.
The change now gives caregivers the option to register with the DEA in addition to state registration, creating uncertainty about its purpose.
Supplier losses
Registered suppliers may no longer transact with unregistered businesses, forcing Lord to lose about 90% of her suppliers. She said operations continue as usual except for those excluded partners.
Her patients rely on her inventory, and the loss of suppliers forces them to start over.
Federal registration concerns
Medical cannabis remains federally illegal, so registering with the DEA would mean operating an illegal business under federal law. Catherine Lewis, director of education for Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine, warned that trust has collapsed.
She compared the uncertainty to 2010 raids, when federal marshals arrived without warning, and noted that small caregivers operate month‑to‑month in a market far from free.
Letter to congressional delegation
Lord sent a letter to Maine’s congressional delegation seeking clarification. Representative Jared Golden responded by connecting her with a hemp and agriculture aid.
She drafted a proposal to amend the Controlled Substances Act, arguing that states already meet federal requirements and duplicating programs is unnecessary.
State and federal responses
The Maine Office of Cannabis Policy said federal cannabis enforcement is outside its jurisdiction and has received no guidance from federal agencies. Alexis Soucy, director of media and stakeholder relations, issued that statement.
The DEA has not responded to a request for comment.
