Secretary of state signs off on Maine pot legalization vote
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s top election official says the recount of a referendum on the legalization of marijuana has formally concluded and the results are headed to the governor.
Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said Wednesday that residents voted to legalize the drug by a margin of 3,995 votes. Election night tallies showed passage winning approval by 4,073 votes.
Approval allows the possession and use of marijuana by people who are at least 21 years old.
It also allows cultivation and sales of marijuana and marijuana products. The state will need to set up a regulatory structure in the coming months.
Gov. Paul LePage has 10 days to issue a proclamation. It then becomes law a month later.
LePage, a Republican, has expressed skepticism of legalization.
