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Ellsworth Today
By the People, for the People
Ellsworth Denies License for Medical Cannabis Chain After Contamination Scare
MarijuanaVille's application rejected over health concerns and zoning issues
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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The Ellsworth City Council voted 6-1 to deny a business license for the medical cannabis dispensary chain MarijuanaVille, citing concerns over recent contamination issues with the company's products as well as non-compliance with the city's updated licensing criteria for cannabis shops.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the challenges facing medical marijuana businesses in Maine as regulators and local governments work to balance patient access with public health and safety. The contamination scare at MarijuanaVille's Waterville location was the first of its kind in the state, raising questions about oversight and quality control in the industry.
The details
Just two days after the Ellsworth City Council tabled a vote on MarijuanaVille's license application last month, state cannabis regulators issued a patient advisory over 'unsafe levels' of the pesticide bifenthrin found in some of the chain's concentrate products sold at its Waterville store. This was the first such warning issued by Maine's Office of Cannabis Policy. Councilors said they were 'pretty concerned' about the health risks and voted to deny the license, noting the business had also failed to meet the city's new licensing criteria for medical cannabis shops.
- On February 17, 2026, the Ellsworth City Council voted 6-1 to deny MarijuanaVille's business license application.
- In January 2026, the city updated its performance standards for medical and adult-use cannabis stores, which MarijuanaVille did not meet.
The players
MarijuanaVille
One of Maine's largest medical marijuana dispensary chains, which recently purchased Boss Lady Genetics in Ellsworth but was denied a new business license by the city.
Maine Office of Cannabis Policy
The state regulatory agency that issued the first-ever patient advisory in Maine over contaminated products from MarijuanaVille's Waterville location.
Ellsworth City Council
The local government body that voted 6-1 to deny MarijuanaVille's business license application, citing health concerns and non-compliance with the city's updated cannabis licensing criteria.
What they’re saying
“I'm pretty concerned about the health issue regarding this business.”
— Patrick Lyons, City Council Chair (Bangor Daily News)
“I don't think it's the right location, and this business hasn't satisfied our licensing criteria.”
— Patrick Lyons, City Council Chair (Bangor Daily News)
What’s next
MarijuanaVille has not indicated whether it plans to appeal the Ellsworth City Council's decision to deny its business license. The company will need to find a new location that meets the city's zoning and licensing requirements if it hopes to open a dispensary in Ellsworth.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing pains of Maine's medical cannabis industry as state and local governments work to establish robust regulatory frameworks. Businesses must not only meet stringent product safety standards, but also navigate complex zoning and licensing rules that can vary significantly by municipality.
