Marijuana Legalization in Maine Passes as Opposition Concedes Recount

The recount of Maine’s Question 1 is already over because the opposition conceded less than halfway through the recount. Marijuana will become legal in Maine within 30 days as Governor Paul LePage signs it into law. The election results must be certified prior to the signage of the legislation to make Question 1 law in Maine.

Question 1 passed by a mere 4,073 votes on Election Day, which sparked the opposition to demand a recount, according to Patch.

Campaign manager for the Yes on 1, David Boyer, said, “Marijuana will soon be legal in Maine. We are grateful that the No on 1 campaign has conceded and look forward to working together towards a successful implementation of Question 1.”

When the law takes effect, likely at the end of January 2017, adults ages 21 and older will be permitted to purchase as much as 2 ½ ounces from state-regulated dispensaries. The state will also allow marijuana social clubs.

Governor LePage opposes legalization along with Mainers Protecting Our Youth and Communities. He believes that legal marijuana will lead to more deadly crashes and that marijuana users are likely to use heroin.

Despite his strong opposition, the voters of Maine have spoken, and the Governor will sign Question 1 into law very soon.