PORTLAND — The state says the science just isn’t there to allow opiate addiction to be treated with medical marijuana.

Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services has denied a petition brought forward this spring by Dawson Julia, who runs a medical marijuana caregiver business in Unity.

In its denial, the agency said though animal studies and individual letters that Julia submitted suggest medical marijuana has potential to treat opiate addiction, there aren’t yet human test studies published that support such treatment.

The agency noted Julia didn’t present information on appropriate marijuana dosage or safety protocols.

However, it noted that human trials are underway, and chronic pain can be treated with medical marijuana in Maine.

Julia said he was disappointed but will work with lawmakers on legislation to allow such treatment.