124th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 975 LR 1935(01)
An Act To Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Sponsor: Initiated Bill
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
2009-10 2010-11 Projections 2011-12 Projections 2012-13
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds $41,552 $85,885 $88,414 $91,055
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $41,552 $85,885 $88,414 $91,055
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
This bill modifies the law to allow the medical use of marijuana.  The judicial branch may realize some minor savings from a reduced caseload related to previously illegal activity that will no longer be illegal.  The bill also establishes new Class D and Class E crimes as well as civil violations for failure to follow the provisions of the law and that may increase the judicial caseload.  The bill allows qualifying patients to commence actions in Superior Court to compel the Department of Human Services to perform certain actions mandated by the bill.  This fiscal note assumes that the net impact to the judicial and correctional systems will not be significant.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Assumes an allocation of Other Special Revenue Funds will be needed for the costs of one Substance Abuse Program Specialist position beginning January 1, 2010 in the Office of Substance Abuse in the Department of Health and Human Services and for related administrative costs to implement and administer the provisions of the initiated bill, including issuing registry identification cards to patients and their designated primary caregivers and to issue registration certificates for non-profit dispensaries.  It is further assumed these costs will be offset by application and renewal fees established by the department as required in the bill.