Augusta, ME: Adults-use marijuana sales began last Friday at a limited number of licensed retailers throughout the state.
The sales began nearly four years after voters passed a ballot initiative in 2016 legalizing the commercial cannabis marketplace.
“While lawmakers delayed the people’s will for years, this is a historic victory for those of us who recognize marijuana prohibition for what it is: a racist policy designed to disenfranchise black and low-income Mainers,” said NORML Board Member Diane Russell, who played an instrumental role in Maine’s legalization efforts. “This victory would not be possible without an incredible team of advocates who literally worked around the clock to get this on the ballot and to win. They’re heroes for standing up for real justice.”
Despite the 2016 vote, rules governing adult-use cannabis production and sales were not ultimately finalized by state lawmakers until 2019.
“Maine adults should have had access to safe, legal marijuana years ago,” said NORML State Policies Coordinator Carly Wolf. “Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see it finally happen now. Consumers desire access to a regulated market, not an unregulated and untaxed underground market.”
For more information, contact Carly Wolf, NORML State Policies Coordinator.