First recreational cannabis shop opens in Portland, Maine’s Old Port District
Fire on Fore made history as the first medical marijuana storefront in Portland’s historic Old Port, and in 2021, it became the neighborhood's first recreational cannabis shop. Co-owners Thomas Mourmouras and Leo Paquette transitioned from medical to adult-use sales, a move they saw as inevitable with the legalization of recreational cannabis in Maine. Since the switch, Fire on Fore has seen business surge, serving between 350 and 450 customers daily, compared to 150 as a medical dispensary.
The transition aligns with trends in other states where medical cannabis sales declined after recreational legalization. Fire on Fore’s success is part of a broader boom in Maine's recreational cannabis market, which has generated $48.9 million in revenue since October 2020, with $10 million in sales in August 2021 alone. The shift has also influenced other local dispensaries, such as Wellness Connection and Atlantic Farms, to consider similar transitions.
Mourmouras, who also directs medical patients to the sister store, Beach Boys Cannabis, emphasizes the importance of supporting local Maine-owned businesses amidst growing out-of-state competition. Fire on Fore’s pioneering status in Portland’s Old Port ensures its place in the history of Maine’s cannabis industry.
