Adult-use marijuana legalization in Maine is set for Jan. 30, 2017, but the law included a nine-month delay in retail sales to allow lawmakers to set rules. Now Senate President Mike Thibodeau, a Republican from Winterport, Maine, and Rep. Louis Luchini, a Democrat from Ellsworth, Maine, have proposed extending the delay until Feb. 1, 2018.
Tag Archives: adult-use marijuana
Maine Governor Certifies Pot Vote But Urges Moratorium on Sales
Maine Gov. Paul LaPage on Dec. 31, 2016, signed a proclamation certifying the state’s narrow vote to approve adult-use of marijuana, according to a Jan. 3, 2017, article in the Portland Press Herald. LaPage confirmed the signature during a Jan. 3, 2017, radio show program during which he also urged Maine legislators to set a moratorium on marijuana sales.
Colorado’s Marijuana Czar Could Move to Massachusetts
Andrew Freedman, Colorado’s director of marijuana coordination, could become a regulator for Massachusetts’ newly legalized adult-use marijuana industry, according to the Boston Globe. In Colorado, Freedman works with state government, law enforcement, the marijuana industry, and public health officials.
Maine Governor Wants to Get Rid of State’s Medical Marijuana Program
Now that adult-use marijuana is legal in Maine, Gov. Paul LePage wants to get rid of the state’s medical marijuana program. Maine voters passed Question 1, the marijuana legalization referendum, on Nov. 8, 2016, leading LePage to say “we’ve got to get rid of medical marijuana” on a recent interview with a radio show.
Two Tennessee Republican Legislators Introduce Medical Marijuana Bill
Two Republican legislators in Tennessee have introduced a new medical marijuana bill, according to an article in The Tennessean. At an announcement that included supporting comments from singer Gary Chapman, Rep. Jeremy Faison and Sen. Steve Dickerson insisted their bill was not opening the door to adult-use marijuana.
New Hampshire Officers Worry About Legalization in Neighboring States
Law enforcement officers in New Hampshire are worried about the impact of legalized marijuana in neighboring Massachusetts and Maine. “Regardless of what the existing laws are in the state of Maine or the state of Massachusetts, marijuana possession is illegal in New Hampshire,” State Police Lt. Chris Vetter said.
California Could See $1 Billion in Tax Revenue From Legal Marijuana
In California, analysts are saying the state could see $1 billion in tax revenue from marijuana when a new legalization law becomes effective in 2018, according to an article in the International Business Times. The recently approved Proposition 64 prescribes a 15 percent excise tax on adult-use and medical marijuana.