Maine wants to “harmonize” its medical and adult-use marijuana programs, but small growers, edible makers and retailers say the state’s proposed changes would drive them out of business and leave rural, cash-strapped patients without affordable medicine.

The Office of Marijuana Policy told state lawmakers Wednesday that it wants the medical and adult-use programs to abide by the same state rules whenever possible. It introduced a bill to apply the same plant size restriction, labeling rules, manufacturing safety and background checks to both programs.

The bill also would allow the state to impose hefty fines on medical marijuana businesses for breaking the rules. In the past, state regulators have had little wriggle room when it comes to dealing with rule breakers – suspending or revoking a license or doing nothing at all.

“The goal is to begin the process of aligning,” said Gabi Berube Pierce, policy director for the Office of Marijuana Policy. “We understand that this change may result in a change in cultivation practices in the medical program, however aligning these definitions is a necessary step.” [Read more at Portland Press Herald]