Maine Could Be the Next State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

Maine could soon become the next state to legalize recreational marijuana.

State lawmakers say that bill LD 1229 “An Act to Regulate and Tax Marijuana” now has a total of 35 co-sponsors and is on its way to be heard at a legislative committee hearing. The bill serves to change Maine’s current drug laws, making possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana perfectly legal while attaching a “grass tax,” if you will, of about $50 per ounce.

“Maine can and should take a more sensible approach to marijuana policy, and we are glad to see so many legislators agree,” said David Boyer, Maine political director for the Marijuana Policy Project.

Interestingly, if the bill is passed, individuals would even be allowed to grow their own pot as long as it is no more than six plants and its kept in an area that is cultivated and locked. Under the bill, marijuana would be regulated similar to that of alcohol, along with the provision that individuals must be at least 21-years-old to purchase it. However, legal prohibition laws would still apply making it illegal to smoke pot in public.

The bill is gaining some powerful momentum, but it is being equally matched by the opposition of both public health and law enforcement organizations. Earlier last week, Robert Schwartz, executive director of Maine Chiefs of Police Association said that his organization does not support the legalization of marijuana in any way.

If the bill is approved, it will then go before a statewide vote to determine if it shall become a law. Last year, Washington and Colorado legalized recreational marijuana and it is expected that this year, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Vermont will debate the issue, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

As of right now, no public hearing has been scheduled.