AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The Maine Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee is holding a public hearing on two bills that could legalize recreational marijuana use in the state.
Portland Democrats Mark Dion and Diane Russell sponsor the two bills, which are largely similar. Dion and Russell say they both want to craft a regulatory structure regarding marijuana sales and let the voters decide. They also agree on a minimum age of 21, a 15 percent tax rate and regulation by the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations in a way that is similar to how the state handles alcohol.
The committee is holding the public hearing at 1 p.m. in Augusta. Two citizens groups have also pushed for a statewide vote on legalization. Citywide initiatives passed in Portland and South Portland.
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