MAINE MARIJUANA GROWERS FORM TRADE GROUP

Small-scale medical marijuana growers around the state are forming a trade
group to help shape future policies and protect their rights.

A formal announcement of the new group will be made at a news conference
Thursday in Augusta, according to an e-mail notice from Jonathan Leavitt of
the Medical Marijuana Caregivers of Maine.

Maine has an unknown number of medical marijuana caregivers who have been
allowed to grow and sell marijuana to eligible patients a maximum of five
patients per caregiver under the state's decade-old medical marijuana
law. A new law opening the door to Maine's first storefront medical
marijuana dispensaries allows caregivers to continue serving patients as
long as they register with the state by Jan. 1.

"Caregivers provide an essential service for people throughout Maine who
get relief from severe pain and suffering through medical marijuana.
Patients get to have a personal relationship with the people who grow their
medicine, and the lack of administrative overhead means they can get their
marijuana at a better price," Leavitt said in today's e-mail.

"Caregivers are able to make a decent living while helping people in need.
Since spring, medical marijuana caregiver networks have generated some 500
good jobs throughout Maine. Medical marijuana Caregivers of Maine is here
to make sure caregivers have a place at the table when policy decisions are
made."