Marijuana in Maine: Lawmakers Want 2018 Delay

AUGUSTA, ME — Marijuana will be legal in Maine starting January 30 — but the date when Mainers can actually buy it at a store remains hazy. Senate President Michael Thibodeau, R-Waldo, and State Rep. Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth, on Wednesday introduced a bill that would delay retail marijuana sales until February 2018. The proposal awaits a formal vote in the coming weeks.

Maine voters in November approved legalizing marijuana by a razor-thin margin; the winning side earned just a 50.27 percent majority. The measure survived a recount and supporters hoped to see retail sales implemented sometime in the fall. The language in the measure dictated retail shops would be allowed to open within about nine months.

"Delaying implementation means marijuana will continue to be bought and sold on the black market," said David Boyer, manager of the Yes on 1 campaign, in a statement Wednesday. “Why should we delay any longer something that’s already being bought and sold in Maine? It’s time that it’s taxed and regulated similar to alcohol."

One portion of legalization initiative — being allowed to use marijuana in a private setting — kicks in January 30.

Maine lawmakers would be following the example of their Massachusetts counterparts in delaying implementation of a voter-approved marijuana initiative. Massachusetts voters also approved legal marijuana in November. Bay State lawmakers then voted to delay retail sales until mid-2018. Bay State pot supporters pushed for a early 2018 effective date.

In Maine, the legalization initiative appeared as Question 1 on the ballot. The official tally was 381,768 in favor and 377,773 opposed — a margin of 3,995 votes.

Along with Maine and Massachusetts, California and Nevada in November voted to legalize marijuana. Arizona rejected a legalization measure. Recreational marijuana sales are currently legal in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Marijuana is still prohibited under federal law. The Obama administration has adopted a wait-and-see policy as states continue to legalize it. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, during confirmation hearings on Tuesday said he "won't commit" to such a policy. Trump himself has said marijuana should be a "state issue."

Previous

• Maine Legalizes Marijuana
• Marijuana Will Be Legal in Maine January 30
• Massachusetts Delays Pot Shop Openings
• Jeff Sessions On Marijuana: 'Won't Commit' To Obama Policy

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