Pubdate: Thu, 30 May 2013
Source: Portland Press Herald (ME)
Copyright: 2013 MaineToday Media, Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/J9R991Zc
Website: http://www.pressherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/744

BALLOT INITIATIVE TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IN PORTLAND A STEP CLOSER

The proposed ordinance would allow those 21 or older to possess up to 
2.5 ounces of pot, while prohibiting its use in public spaces, such 
as parks, schools and sidewalks.

PORTLAND - A proposal to legalize small amounts of marijuana 
possession for adults in the city is likely to go to Portland voters this fall.

A coalition of proponents, led by the Portland Green Party, on 
Thursday morning handed in petitions with more than 3,200 signatures 
to city officials, the first step toward putting the proposal on the 
November ballot. The city requires 1,500 valid signatures for citizen 
initiatives to gain a spot on the ballot.

The proposed ordinance would allow those 21 or older to possess up to 
2.5 ounces of pot, while prohibiting its use in public spaces, such 
as parks, schools and sidewalks.

Tom MacMillan, chair of the Portland Green Independent Committee, 
said the law is vague on how adults could buy pot, but said it would 
likely be available through existing medical marijuana dispensaries. 
The issue of distribution would likely be left up to the Portland 
City Council if the ordinance passes, he said.

MacMillan said he believes legalizing pot would lead to less use by 
youths because it could eliminate the black market and make buying 
marijuana subject to the same type of identification and age checks 
as alcohol purchases.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom