For Maine cannabis and marijuana businesses: You must comply with all standard Maine employment laws that apply to every business in the state, while also managing cannabis-specific regulations. Employment law violations can trigger both standard penalties and marijuana license issues.

When Jamie opened her Maine cannabis cultivation facility in 2021, she did what many entrepreneurs do—hired workers as independent contractors to keep things simple. Three growers and a facility manager formed her core team, all classified as contractors.

"They wanted flexibility," Jamie later explained. "They all signed contractor agreements. We even consulted a template from a legal website!"

Fast forward to 2025: Jamie's facing a Department of Labor investigation and potential liability exceeding $150,000 in back wages, liquidated damages, and penalties.

Her costly mistake? Misclassifying employees as independent contractors.