The Lewiston City Council tonight (Sept. 2) will consider a citizen-initiated measure that would make private marijuana possession legal for adults. The council can enact the proposed law or place it on the November 4 ballot.

Citizens for a Safer Maine
submitted more than 1,250 signatures to place the measure in front of the council. Just 859 valid signatures of registered city voters were required. The pro marijuana organization qualified a similar measure for the ballot in South Portland and recently collected the final signatures needed to place one on the ballot in York.

The initiative would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. It would remain illegal to consume or display marijuana in public. The measure also includes a statement in support of regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol at the state level.

Maine political director, David Boyer, of the Marijuana Police Project says:

Lewiston resources are being wasted arresting responsible adults for using something with far less personal and social costs than alcohol...We hope the council will see the sense in using law enforcement resources for serious issues, but if they don’t, the citizens of Lewiston will.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street.

More From 92 Moose