At a hearing in Augusta, lawmakers hear several ideas for containing big caregiver operations while leaving small operators alone.

But U.S. Attorney Halsey Frank acknowledges that drug possession cases ‘have not been a priority.’

After being at odds for years, the groups offer a proposal that would favor medical marijuana providers, prohibit social clubs for 3 years and tax pot at 17.5 percent.

Without concessions, they promise to continue to thwart a committee’s attempt to legalize recreational marijuana businesses.

Lawmakers say the rules for the marijuana market will help implement the will of Maine voters, but the governor, an opponent of marijuana, may not go along.