York officials to consider marijuana legalization
York town officials are expected to consider a proposal to legalize use and possession of marijuana — a measure that would fly in the face of state and federal laws.
The York County Coast Star reported that the Board of Selectmen is taking up the proposal at its meeting tonight after a petition initiated by the Marijuana Policy Project gathered enough signatures. If approved, the petition would go before voters in November for final approval.
The proposal would allow people 21 years or older to use and possess an ounce or less of marijuana, on a local level. However, York police said it will still enforce state law, which strictly prohibits the recreational use of marijuana. Medicinal use of marijuana for specific illnesses has been legal in Maine since 1999, with a distribution mechanism enacted 10 years later.
The Marijuana Policy Project, the nation’s largest reform group for marijuana policy, is pushing similar legalization efforts in Lewiston and South Portland. The group was already successful in helping legalize marijuana in Portland, though local police still enforce state law.
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