Maine’s cannabis regulator plans to distribute 12,000 free lockable storage bags to help Mainers safely store cannabis at home.

Led by the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy in partnership with cannabis retailers and public health districts, the initiative expands a statewide program that began with a pilot in 2024.

Secure, lockable bags can help prevent young people, pets and guests from accidentally accessing or ingesting cannabis products in the home.

For several years, the state observed an increase in the rate of accidental ingestions of cannabis that resulted in calls to the Northern New England Poison Center, according to Alexis Soucy, a spokesperson for the Office of Cannabis Policy.

“In response to that increase, OCP began working with the Maine CDC to identify prevention strategies that could help limit further youth access to cannabis,” Soucy explained. “One of the evidence-based strategies identified was safe storage, which involves storing any age-restricted or prescription products at home in a locked container that is out of reach and out of sight from young people and pets.”

Through the Safe Storage for ME program, cannabis patients and consumers receive information and tools for safely storing cannabis.

More than 140 retailers and public health advocates in all nine of Maine’s public health districts will distribute the bags.

“The first iteration of OCP’s Safe Storage for ME program was very well received with positive feedback from patients, consumers and businesses alike,” said John Hudak, director of the Office of Cannabis Policy.

He added that the regulator “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.

Medical cannabis patients ages 18 and older and adult-use consumers ages 21 and older can receive one bag at no cost, with no purchase necessary, while supplies last.

More information about the Safe Storage for ME program, including a list of participating retailers, is available on the agency’s website.