South Portland Voters to Decide Whether to Legalize Marijuana

The South Portland City Council voted unanimously Monday evening to place a measure on the November ballot that would make private marijuana possession legal for adults.  

The South Portland initiative would make it legal for adults 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana within city limits. It would remain illegal to consume or display marijuana in public.

The Portland Press Herald reports that all seven councilors voiced their opposition to legalizing marijuana but opted to leave it up to voters to decide. Portland passed a referendum last year allowing recreational use of marijuana by adults.

“Voters will have the chance to take a bite out of marijuana prohibition in South Portland this November,” said David Boyer of the Marijuana Policy Project. “This is a great opportunity to have an open and honest public dialogue about this important issue. In particular, we hope to continue the conversation about the relative safety of marijuana compared to alcohol."

Similar measures are being proposed in Lewiston and York this fall.