Catcha Vibe urges lawmakers to vote Ought Not to Pass on LD 1847.
This bill could force Maine’s caregiver program into a costly national tracking system that many small growers and family-run businesses simply cannot afford.
If the Legislature moves forward with the bill, we urge adoption of the Hickman Amendment as the least harmful option to protect Maine’s caregiver community.
Maine’s cannabis industry was built by small independent caregivers — not corporations.
Let’s protect Maine’s independent spirit.
Save Maine’s Craft Cannabis Community
A Statement from Catcha Vibe
Maine has always been a place where independent people build something real — musicians, farmers, artists, brewers, and caregivers working hard to create something meaningful in their communities.
That same independent spirit helped build Maine’s craft cannabis community, one of the most unique medical cannabis programs in the country.
For years, the program has supported thousands of small, independent caregivers and family-run businesses serving patients across the state. These small Maine operations are the foundation of what many people call Maine’s craft cannabis culture.
At Catcha Vibe, we believe strongly in supporting local culture, independent entrepreneurs, and the small businesses that help keep Maine’s communities thriving.
Over the years, Catcha Vibe has also had the honor of performing at events that celebrate Maine’s caregiver community, including Croptober Fest hosted by Sugar Leaf Co. in New Portland, Maine. Through these gatherings we have seen firsthand the passion, dedication, and hard work that Maine’s caregivers bring to their craft.
After reviewing the proposed legislation, Catcha Vibe opposes LD 1847 as written.
The bill proposes mandatory seed-to-sale tracking through the national METRC system, along with additional regulatory requirements that many small caregivers believe would create significant financial and administrative burdens. Many in the caregiver community fear these costs could force small businesses to close while making it easier for large corporate cannabis companies to dominate the industry.
Maine’s medical cannabis system has long been built around small independent caregivers and direct relationships with patients. Preserving that model is essential to protecting both patient access and Maine’s small-business economy.
We urge lawmakers to vote “Ought Not to Pass” on LD 1847.
However, if the Legislature moves forward with the bill despite these concerns, Catcha Vibe urges lawmakers to adopt the Hickman Amendment as the least harmful option, and one that many advocates believe better protects Maine’s caregiver community.
Why This Matters
LD 1847 proposes to apply adult-use style regulations to Maine’s medical cannabis program, including:
• Mandatory product testing
• Mandatory seed-to-sale tracking through the national METRC system
• Expanded oversight from the Office of Cannabis Policy
• Additional packaging and labeling requirements
Supporters say these changes would improve safety and transparency. Critics argue they could impose major costs and administrative burdens on small caregivers and shops.
Many caregivers worry this could push Maine’s cannabis industry toward large corporate operators, making it much harder for small independent growers to survive.
The Hickman Amendment
The Hickman Amendment, introduced by Senator Craig Hickman, is viewed by many caregivers as a compromise approach that would:
• Reduce regulatory burdens on small caregivers
• Modify or limit mandatory METRC tracking
• Avoid forcing the full adult-use regulatory system onto the medical program
• Preserve Maine’s small-scale caregiver model
Supporters see it as a middle path that addresses safety concerns while protecting Maine’s small cannabis businesses.
A Call to Our Community
We encourage our friends, family, fans, and followers to speak up and help protect Maine’s craft cannabis community.
Contact your state representative and respectfully share your perspective on LD 1847 and how it may impact small Maine businesses.
Find your representative here:
https://legislature.maine.gov/house/MemberProfiles/ListAlphaTown
When reaching out, please be respectful, constructive, and clear about why this issue matters to you.
Protect Maine’s Independent Spirit
Whether it’s music, art, farming, craft brewing, or cannabis, Maine thrives when independent people have the opportunity to build something special.
Let’s work together to make sure small Maine businesses and caregivers continue to have a place in this industry.
One Love
Catcha Vibe
Catcha Vibe is a Maine-based reggae and world-fusion collective that has been performing across New England since 2003. Known for bringing together musicians from diverse cultural traditions, the band has long supported community-driven events, festivals, and local small businesses throughout Maine.


