The final count from the Maine Office of the Secretary of State confirms that Maine voters have approved Question 1, a ballot measure to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana for adult use.
“Maine voters were presented with the facts and chose to reject anti-marijuana fear and propaganda in favor of fiscally and socially responsible change. Adults in Maine will no longer have to worry about punishment and lifelong stigma simply for possessing or responsibly using marijuana,” said Alysia Melnick, Yes on 1 political director.
“Question 1 honors adult choices, opens access for those struggling with pain and addiction, and generates millions we can use on policies that actually protect children and improve public health. This is a victory for civil liberties and a huge step forward in rational drug policy. We look forward to getting down to the hard work of implementation.”
Effective date of results comes a month away after certification
Question 1 makes possession and home cultivation of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older; it creates a tightly controlled system of regulated marijuana production and sales; and it establishes a 10% tax on non-medical marijuana sales. The new law will officially take effect 30 days after the final election results are declared, which can take up to 10 days. The initiative was supported in part by the Marijuana Policy Project.
“Maine took a historic step forward on Tuesday by ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition,” said Yes on 1 campaign manager, David Boyer. “Adults will no longer be treated like criminals simply for using a substance that is objectively less harmful than alcohol. Law enforcement officials will be able to spend more time addressing serious crimes. And marijuana will be produced and sold by licensed, taxpaying businesses rather than by illegal dealers in the underground market.”
Personal use legal now, commerce still a year away
The measure’s passage would allow adults 21 and over to possess, grow, and use marijuana as soon as the law takes effect.
However, Maine will not see marijuana retail businesses or social clubs (where adults can legally purchase and use marijuana) for likely close to a year. Question 1 allows non-medical marijuana to be sold by state licensed and locally approved businesses, and it gives the state nine months to begin issuing sales licenses for recreational retailers.