No. Cannibalism itself is not explicitly criminalized in Maine’s statutes, but related acts—such as assault, homicide, or corpse desecration—violate state laws. Maine’s 2025-2026 legislative session introduced stricter penalties for non-consensual bodily harm, aligning with the Maine Department of Public Safety’s 2024 directive on extreme violence. Consent is irrelevant in cases involving death or severe injury, per Title 17-A, §201 (murder) and §207 (manslaughter).
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Maine
- Assault and Homicide Prohibitions: Under 17-A M.R.S. §201-208, any act causing death or grievous bodily harm—regardless of intent—faces Class A or B felony charges, punishable by up to life imprisonment.
- Corpse Desecration: Title 22, §2821 criminalizes tampering with human remains, including consumption, with fines up to $2,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.
- Consent Invalidity: Maine’s 2026 amendments to §104 (defense of consent) explicitly exclude bodily harm resulting in death, rendering “consensual cannibalism” legally unenforceable.