Medical marijuana shop opens in Rockwood
ROCKWOOD — Medical cannabis was legalized in Maine 20 years ago and since that time patients either cultivated their own plants or authorized a caregiver to do it for them. This past December a new medical cannabis law took effect giving Maine’s approximately 50,000 medical patients broader access to cannabis and cannabis products, thus making the process safer and laws easier to enforce.
On the heels of the new law, a retail medical marijuana shop opened March 19 in Rockwood. Called Northern Remedies, it is a new business owned and operated by Tom Purington and Lindsay Bartlett.
I asked if there was any difficulty getting a permit and Tom told me, “According to Maine ordinances Rockwood is considered a unorganized territory,” he said. “But I went and had a big meeting with all the county commissioners of Maine and got approved 5-0 in my favor of opening a medical retail marijuana shop. I got all my permits approved by LURC and was told I’m all set to open my shop finally!”
Contributed photo
NORTHERN REMEDIES — Tom Purington and Lindsay Bartlett in their shop Northern Remedies in Rockwood.
The new law, adopted in July over a gubernatorial veto, also enables patients to get a medical card if a doctor deems marijuana medically beneficial, eliminating state-sanctioned qualifying conditions like cancer, chronic pain or AIDS, according to a Portland Press Herald article by Penelope Overton. It also grants caregivers the right to open shops and hire more than a single employee, and will grant six new medical dispensary licenses, giving Maine a total of 14, among other changes.
The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) had this to say regarding Maine law: “Possession of small amounts and limited home cultivation are legal: Possession of two and a half ounces or less of marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older. Adults may also cultivate up to three mature marijuana plants at their residence or on another adult’s property with the owner’s permission. With commercial marijuana regulations in place, it’s up to the state to follow through with implementation. Maine’s governor Janet Mills will most likely take on the task of rule-making and implementation, and retail stores will hopefully be open in 2019.”
Additionally, “An individual may now register as a medical marijuana patient if his or her doctor believes medical marijuana will be helpful. Patients can purchase marijuana from registered marijuana dispensaries, a registered caregiver, or grow their own.”
Purington and Bartlett moved to Rockwood from the Augusta area about four years ago with the ultimate intent of opening up a storefront. Purington was licensed as a caregiver and could grow medical grade marijuana. The store, located at 3628 Rockwood Road, has trail access for both snowmobilers and ATVs and of course there’s a parking lot available for cars.
“My good friend Dave Beland of Eight Point Construction worked with me to create the custom woodwork in the shop,” Purington said.
Products offered include a full line of Gerrick Alternatives CBDs – pain-relief rubs and salves, tinctures, vape pens, skincare products, edibles and even a line just for pets, In addition, you can find THC products including a variety of flower strains, concentrates, cartridges and edibles.
“All your smoking accessories are available too,” Purington said. Other products include a wide variety of incense and unique Northern Remedies apparel which includes tee shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats and beanies. Currently, hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions you may email Tom at tompurington333@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page – Northern Remedies.