Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy (OMP) today issued the state’s first six adult-use cannabis business licenses, paving the way for retail sales to begin in October. The businesses include three cultivation facilities, two retail storefronts and one testing facility.

As the Portland Press-Herald reported, the two retailers are Theory Wellness of Maine in South Portland, just outside the state’s largest city, and Sweet Relief Shop in Northport, farther up the coast.

Room 5, Gele and Grass Roots Marijuana each received a cultivation license. Nelson Analytics received the state’s first testing license.

More licenses are expected to be issued prior to Oct. 9.

RELATED: JAR Cannabis Co. Prepares to Launch Adult-Use in Maine with Optimism Despite State’s Setbacks 

“Maine will have the unique distinction of being the only state to launch its adult use marijuana program during a pandemic,” OMP Director Erik Gundersen said in a public statement. “Public health and safety are themes that have been part of the Office of Marijuana Policy’s mission statement since day one. Accordingly, our highest priority remains the wellbeing of this new industry’s employees and consumers.” 

Indeed, the OMP had originally slated opening day for June, but the coronavirus pandemic threw those plans out the window.

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