Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in some places and with some restrictions. Medical marijuana stores and recreational marijuana stores are allowed in some commercial districts, with setbacks from other uses such as schools and churches. The accompanying map should give you an idea of where the marijuana stores can locate. 

Download and review the Map of Acceptable Marijuana Areas (PDF).

Under state law, dispensaries are a particular kind of large medical marijuana store. Only a few dispensaries are allowed in Maine. Dispensaries are treated the same as other medical marijuana stores under the Bangor ordinances.

Yes. Marijuana stores operated by a medical marijuana caregiver are treated the same as other marijuana stores under Bangor's ordinances, and may operate in the same areas under the same restrictions.

Caregivers may also grow and sell marijuana as a home occupation. They must meet all the requirements of any other home occupation.

No.

Signage designed to appeal to children is prohibited. No outdoor display of marijuana is allowed. Video cameras are required, and marijuana odors may not reach other properties. More information on these and other restrictions can be found in Chapters 165 and 177 of the Bangor Code of Ordinances.

Marijuana cultivation facilities are allowed in industrial zones, with similar restrictions as marijuana stores. See the Map of Acceptable Marijuana Areas (PDF) for more detail.

Marijuana grown for one's own personal use is regulated through the state.

Manufacturing facilities, where edibles, extracts, and other marijuana products are created, and testing facilities are allowed in industrial zones with similar restrictions as stores and cultivation facilities. See the Map of Acceptable Marijuana Areas (PDF) for more information.

The City's Code Enforcement Department is a good first place to contact if you are interested in setting up a marijuana facility. The permitting process is similar to that for other businesses, but there are some additional restrictions. Some of these are restrictions regarding marijuana in particular (see question: What other restrictions are there?). Others are more general; for instance, for anything involving extraction (e.g. manufacturing), you may need a flammable liquid license. Code Enforcement can assist you in identifying these restrictions.

More information can be found in the City of Bangor Code of Ordinances:

• Home Occupations: Section 165-22
• Definitions: Section 165-13
• Commercial Districts: 
  • Section 165-92 
  • Section 165-101
  • Section 165-102
• Industrial Districts: 
  • Section 165-96 
  • Section 165-103 
  • Section 165-103.1 (testing facilities only)
• Security and Oversight Requirements: Chapter 177