State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

LePage verifies marijuana vote, making possession of small amounts legal Jan. 30

Portland Press Herald: AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed a proclamation verifying the results of a November ballot question on recreational use of marijuana, and Mainers will be able to legally possess and grow the drug Jan. 30.

However, there will be no place to legally purchase marijuana until lawmakers and state officials set up a regulatory program and establish rules for retail sales, a process that could take nine months or more.

LePage confirmed the proclamation Tuesday during a talk show on WVOM radio in Bangor. But he also called on the Legislature to place a moratorium on the sale of marijuana, which voters approved by a narrow margin, until lawmakers could work out all the details, including providing funding to set up a regulatory framework for legal sales.

Read article