Maine Office of Cannabis Policy to issue 12,000 free lockable storage bags

AUGUSTA – The Office of Cannabis Policy announced a continuation of its Safe Storage for ME program. Through this statewide initiative, OCP partners with medical and adult use cannabis retailers to provide cannabis patients and consumers with free lockable storage bags.

During the 2024 Safe Storage for ME pilot program, OCP distributed 5,000 lockable storage bags in collaboration with the 222 medical and adult use cannabis retailers statewide that opted to participate. Now for the 2026 iteration, OCP is partnering with over 140 medical and adult use cannabis retailers along with all nine of Maine’s Public Health Districts’ public health advocates to give out 12,000 lockable storage bags to cannabis patients and consumers across Maine.

Storing cannabis and cannabis products in a secure, lockable bag helps prevent accidental access and ingestion of those products by young people, pets and guests in the home. The Safe Storage for ME program gives cannabis patients and consumers the information and tools they need to store cannabis products safely and securely.

“The first iteration of OCP’s Safe Storage for ME program was very well received with positive feedback from patients, consumers, and businesses alike,” John Hudak, director of the Office of Cannabis Policy, said. “OCP is pleased to help meet the continued demand for these bags so that cannabis products stay out of reach and out of sight from young people and pets.”

Safe storage bags are being distributed to participating retailers on a rolling basis. Any medical cannabis patient over the age of 18 and adult use consumer over the age of 21 is eligible to receive one bag, no purchase necessary, while supplies last.

More information on the Safe Storage for ME program, including a list of all participating retailers, can be found at www.maine.gov/dafs/ocp/safestorage. Nova Farms of Greenville Junction is among the participants.

The Mills Administration created the Office of Cannabis Policy within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services in February 2019. The Office is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of legalized cannabis in Maine, including the Medical Use of Cannabis Program and the Adult Use Cannabis Program.