Maine Recreational Marijuana Initiative Makes It onto Ballot

Several hurdles have been crossed in the effort to legalize marijuana in Maine. It has been a battle for the last several months in terms of proposal language, required signatures and state legislative differences. But, on April 28^th, the citizen initiative to legalize recreational marijuana will be accepted by state lawmakers.

Ultimately, state lawmakers have the final say regarding whether or not voters will see the recreational marijuana initiative on November’s ballot, The Washington Post reports. If approved, adults ages 21 and older would be permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of recreational marijuana. Sales would also be taxed.

David Boyer of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Maine said, “We think that regulation and controlling marijuana and putting it behind the counter is a far better approach than giving drug dealers a monopoly.”

In opposition, Scott Gagnon said, “We are confident that when Mainers see the full story of marijuana and what it would mean to have pot dispensaries in their community, they will rise up to reject the marijuana industry agenda, to protect the health of their communities and the futures of their children.”