Legalizing Marijuana in Maine Could Be Deadly: LePage

AUGUSTA, ME — Legalizing marijuana in Maine could have "deadly" consequences, Gov. Paul LePage warned. LePage this week released a video in opposition to a Nov. 8 ballot measure that would make Maine among the first New England states to legalize marijuana. Massachusetts is also voting on legalizing marijuana this election season.

LePage said marijuana use impairs drivers — leading to deadly crashes — and said marijuana users are also likely to use heroin.

"We do not need to legalize another drug that could lead to more deaths," LePage said in the video.

LePage also said edible marijuana snacks "could kill children and pets."

"People will smoke marijuana in pot stores right next to schools, day care centers, and churches," LePage said. "They will smoke weed and sell pot at state fairs."

Question 1 asks Maine voters:

Do you want to allow the possession and use of marijuana under state law by persons who are at least 21 years of age, and allow the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of marijuana and marijuana products subject to state regulation, taxation and local ordinance?

The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is the leading supporter of the initiative. The group says legalizing marijuana will "replace a dangerous underground market with a system of licensed businesses," raise millions in tax revenue and create thousands of jobs.

A poll last month by the University of New Hampshire and Portland Press Herald showed 53 percent of Maine are in favor of legalization while 38 percent are opposed.

Early voting is currently underway in Maine and continues through Nov. 3. Election Day is Tue., Nov. 8.

Photo: Office of Gov. Paul LePage