Pro-Marijuana Ads to be Displayed on Portland Area Buses

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Supporters of a Portland referendum seeking to legalize recreational marijuana possession are launching a Maine ad campaign.

The Marijuana Policy Project is unveiling ads today that will appear on public transit buses and bus shelters. The campaign features six ads, each with a photo of an adult explaining why he or she prefers marijuana over alcohol and asking why they should punished for making the choice.

Portland residents will vote in November on whether if it should be legal for adults 21 and older to possess up to 2 1/2 ounces of pot. The law would prohibit using marijuana in public, and would not legalize its sale.

David Faulkner, executive director of Day One, an agency that treats teen drug and alcohol abuse, tells the Portland Press Herald the ads are "disturbing." Others point out that children ride the buses to school.