On January 30th, 2017 the state of Maine became the eighth American state to legalize recreational cannabis for adults.
While cannabis remains illegal under federal law, the residents of Maine narrowly legalized it statewide thanks to a referendum question on the November ballot. The vote totals were close, 381,768 in favor and 377,773 opposed. That’s only a difference of 3,995 votes (every vote matters folks!) It was so close that the opposed side called for a recount, but in the end those in favor triumphed and legalization took another step forward.
Unfortunately, the legal retail sale of cannabis has been delayed until sometime in February 2017, in order for the State Government to properly prepare their plans for implementation of the new laws. However adults over the age of 21 are now allowed to both legally consume cannabis on private residence, as well as grow their own plants. Individuals can have up to 6 mature plants, 12 immature plants, and as many seedlings as you want at one time.
Public consumption of cannabis now carries a fine up to $100 dollars, and the state-sanctioned social clubs aren’t going to open until February, so until then Maine smokers will need to sesh at home or a friend’s.
Adults over 21 can carry up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis at once, and you can grow and then give your friends up to 2.5 ounces as long as they don’t pay you anything for it.
This year California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Maine will join the growing list of states that will go down in American history as early pioneers of rational cannabis policy. The end of prohibition is soon approaching, and every state that legalizes further pushes the federal movement forward. So don’t forget to organize, educate, and vote when the ballot comes to your state!
