Maine Will Vote on Legalization With Question 1

Registered voters in the state of Maine will have the chance to legalize medical cannabis this general election by voting yes on what will be called “Question 1”.

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap announced Monday that the initiative to regulate marijuana like alcohol in Maine will appear on the ballot as Question 1.

The secretary of state set the final wording of the ballot question last week. It reads, “Do you want to allow the possession and use of marijuana under state law by persons who are at least 21 years of age, and allow the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of marijuana and marijuana products subject to state regulation, taxation and local ordinance?”

Activists in Maine said they are pleased with the wording of the ballot question, which is very important to voter opinion, said Campaign Manager David Boyer.

“The wording of our ballot question is far more important than the order in which it will appear. It conveys to voters that the cultivation and sale of marijuana for adult use will be subject to regulation, taxation, and local control. We are pleased, as those themes comprise the core of our initiative and help explain the benefits of ending marijuana prohibition. Residents of Maine will be hearing a lot more about regulation, taxation, and local control as we spend the next four months encouraging them to vote ‘yes’ on Question 1.”

Four states and Washington D.C. have legalized cannabis, reaping tax windfalls without the public safety problems promised by critics of pot law reform. Legalization’s successes is creating momentum in Mane, which is one of a couple Northeastern states expected to vote on legalization at the ballot, or in the state legislature, Boyer said.

“Several states have repealed marijuana prohibition over the past few years, and they are experiencing very positive results. Hundreds of millions of dollars in marijuana sales that used to take place in the underground market are now being conducted in tightly regulated businesses that are generating significant tax revenue and creating good jobs. We are confident that Question 1 will be just as successful, and we are looking forward to talking with voters about its many benefits.”

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