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Waterville council approves lower-potency hemp edible license framework, defers fee timing question
Summary
Council approved licenses for lower-potency hemp edibles contingent on a submitted application and payment of a $125 registration fee; City Attorney Jason Moran said the statute is ambiguous on low-potency products and he will confirm whether the fee is one-time or annual.
The Waterville City Council voted 5-0 March 3 to approve local licensing for lower-potency hemp edible sales contingent on receipt of a completed application and a $125 registration payment. Administrator Teresa Hill said the state has approved lower-potency hemp edibles and that the city’s registration fee may be up to $125.
City Attorney Jason Moran told the council the state cannabis statute is ambiguous regarding low-potency products but advised that the city may assess an annual fee up to $125 and suggested treating the license similarly to alcohol licenses. Moran said he will investigate whether the initial fee is pro-rated or one-time for 2026 and recommended collecting the 2027 fee in October 2026. He also stated that the city cannot cap the number of establishments selling low-potency products, although higher-potency THC outlets are subject to local caps and Waterville had previously set one high-potency license for the city.
Council discussion touched on local taxation and compliance checks. Moran said compliance checks would be handled similarly to alcohol enforcement to ensure sales are not made to minors. The council approved the licensing action contingent on a submitted application and payment of the $125 registration (motion by Dave Wollin, seconded by Tim Smith); motion carried 5-0.
Next steps: Attorney Moran will report back on whether the $125 fee is annual or a one-time prorated amount for 2026 and staff will process any applications received under the new state guidance.
