AUGUSTA – Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, presented legislation at a public hearing on Monday before the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee that would ensure medical use cannabis is tested for potency, mold, arsenic, lead, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other chemicals — matching current adult use cannabis rules.
Additionally, the bill would also dedicate a portion of adult use cannabis taxes toward public health, safety awareness and education. It also proposes forming a study group to examine youth cannabis use and evidence-based ways to prevent and reduce high-risk use amongst Maine’s youth. To reduce accidental ingestion, the bill would require that adult use edible gummies that aren't stamped or embossed with the universal symbol be sold in packaging.
According to the 2023 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, from 2019 to 2020, there was a 21% increase in youth cannabis-related emergency department visits. In the same survey amongst middle school students, 9% reported having used cannabis at least once, 5% used in the past 30 days and 22% started using cannabis before the age of 11.
“As a retired health care practitioner, I want to ensure our medical use cannabis is not inadvertently worsening the medical conditions of our patients or negatively affecting their health,” said Graham. “Cannabis is a bioaccumulator, which means it can absorb PFAS and other toxic chemicals from various pathways, including soil and water. We know that Maine has a PFAS contamination problem and high levels of arsenic in our water. Testing a product, especially one being used for health purposes — is a basic tenant of public health and safety.”
The Office of Cannabis Policy, Maine Medical Association, Maine Osteopathic Association, Maine Public Health Association and the Maine Center for Disease Control provided testimony in support of the legislation.
A work session on the bill will be scheduled in the coming days.
Rep. Anne Graham is serving her fourth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives. Graham is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. She represents the community members of North Yarmouth and part of Gray.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Graham) | 305-965-2744