What the Legalization of Pot Means for the Medical Marijuana Industry

By Alexander Downing

This is a look inside the wellness connection of Maine’s Portland location.

Patricia Rosi is the company’s c-e-o.

“It’s not a regular job; it’s an adventure, and every year brings a new challenge.”

The latest challenge involves how the legalization of *recreational* marijuana next month will affect the *medical* industry.

Many home grow medical marijuana caregivers opposed ballot question one.

Rosi, however, is pleased it passed.

“The referendum is a phenomenal step forward, but what really is at stake is creating a system or an implementation that will create for a safe environment for all to access it whether you come from medical or recreational.”

Last week, governor LePage suggested doing away with Maine’s medical marijuana program, but medical marijuana patients and recreational marijuana users have vastly different needs.

Rosi says there is room for both industries.

“Maine is such a vast state, it’s not either/or.”

“Wellness Connection of Maine says when it first opened in 2011 it served about 200 patients. now, five years later, it says it serves more than 10,000.”

Does the legalization of recreational marijuana present an opportunity for the business to expand?
Rosi says she’s looking into it.

Patricia Rosi/wellness connection of Maine CEO:)  “because of the robust system and quality control we offer, we think would be well poised to be able to service both audiences.”

What about the incoming trump administration?

Rosi tells us it’s likely too late for the federal government to undo what’s already been done.

“I think there’s so many states that now have adopted one form of cannabis – whether it’s recreational or simply medical – that we’re past the tipping point.”

The governor has until December 31st to proclaim the question one results official.

Recreational marijuana becomes legal to possess and use – though not in public – 30 days after that.