2017-01-28 Notification LD88

It's important to keep residents informed.  I'm pleased that the Governor has signed this legislationi.

It'sMaine Legislature
Speaker’s Office
For Immediate Release:
January 27, 2017
Contact: Mary Erin Casale, 207-415-4965


AUGUSTA - Tonight, after a 24 hour delay, LD 88 “An Act To Delay the Implementation of Certain Portions of the Marijuana Legalization Act” was signed into law. This emergency legislation closed loopholes in the citizen-passed marijuana referendum, including preventing legal use by Mainers under the age of 21. The bill had unanimous support in the Maine House and Senate, yet faced opposition from Governor LePage.

Speaker of the House Sara Gideon released the following statement:

“Members of the Maine legislature swiftly addressed major issues, protected our kids and our public safety. I’m proud of the work we did and I want to offer a special thanks to the members of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. I know how challenging it will be and there is more work ahead, but we’re on the right path for a productive and dynamic session.”

LD 88 sponsored by Representative Louis Luchini, D-Ellsworth, passed unanimously in the Maine House of Representatives and Senate. LD 88 tightens restrictions against recreational use of marijuana by Mainers under the age of 21, clarifies the definition of marijuana and concentrates and private property usage, and extends the current nine-month delay of retail sales to allow for legislative approval of rulemaking from January to February 1, 2018.