Maine's Marijuana Legalization Law Takes Effect January 30
Its official: Limited possession and cultivation of marijuanawill become legal for adults in Maine on January 30 now that a recount on the vote has been halted and Governor Paul LePage has signed the results of the election.
The Maine Secretary of States office, via Twitter, confirmed that the Governor signed the proclamation on Saturday.
Once the measure takes effect on January 30,possession and use of up to two and a half ouncesof marijuana will become legal for adults 21 and older. Adults will be allowed togrow six flowering plants, 12 immature plants, and unlimited seedlings. Using marijuana in public will remain illegal.
Regulated recreational sales of marijuana to adults are expected to begin in about a year, with sales subject to a 10 percent sales tax.
Mainers will no longer be punished for using a substance that is safer than alcohol. This will allow law enforcement to focus on serious crimes and save Maine millions in enforcement costs. We look forward to working with the legislature to ensure a timely implementation of Question 1, which will provide adults with a legal way to purchase marijuana from licensed and regulated businesses, said David Boyer, Campaign Manager for Yes on 1, in a press release issued Tuesday.
Speaking on Bangors conservative talk radio station WVOM Tuesday, LePage said that he signed the proclamation of the election, but called on the state legislatureto place a moratorium on marijuana salesuntil they can work out all the details of legalization, including making a determination if the states medical marijuana program is still needed.
LePage also hinted thatthe Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which is charged with overseeing the states recreational marijuana program under the text of Question 1, can not begin the regulatory process until the legislature provides funding for the agency to do so.
Theres nothing I can do until the Legislature gives me money to set up the infrastructure, LePage said, adding that he believed a moratorium on all marijuana sales would alsobe appropriate so lawmakers could determine if Maines ...
