Marijuana law goes into effect Jan. 30
AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill that aims to change Maine's new recreational marijuana law had a public hearing at the State House on Tuesday.
Advocates crowded the hearing room to weigh in on the bipartisan bill, which could delay the opening of retail pot shops in Maine to February, 2018. Mainers would still be able to cultivate, possess and use marijuana on January 19 if this bill passes.
"As written, there's no penalty for kids if they possess marijuana," Democratic Rep. Louis Luchini of Ellsworth said, "And is filled with drafting errors and problematic language that could have huge, unintended consequences as we go forward."
Some say it is too early to already be asking for more time.
"What would (New England Patriots Head Coach) Bill Belichick do right now? Would he say, 'I need a fifth quarter to win the championship game?'" Paul McCarrier of Legalize Maine said.
But Republican Rep. Brad Farrin of Norridgewock pointed out that extending the moratorium now could help people in the marijuana industry plan their futures.
"I'd rather know about that up front, because I think it really could disrupt my business a lot more on the other side," Farrin said.
The bill would also restrict marijuana use to non-public places and prohibit use inside vehicles, similar to the current rules in place regarding alcohol use.
Two-thirds of the legislature needs to support the bill, as it was submitted as emergency legislation.
However, it does not need to be passed by Jan. 30 in order to be effective, but getting it done by that date would clarify any ambiguity about youth use before any parts of the new marijuana law take effect.
Advocates crowded the hearing room to weigh in on the bipartisan bill, which could delay the opening of retail pot shops in Maine to February, 2018. Mainers would still be able to cultivate, possess and use marijuana on January 19 if this bill passes.
"As written, there's no penalty for kids if they possess marijuana," Democratic Rep. Louis Luchini of Ellsworth said, "And is filled with drafting errors and problematic language that could have huge, unintended consequences as we go forward."
Some say it is too early to already be asking for more time.
"What would (New England Patriots Head Coach) Bill Belichick do right now? Would he say, 'I need a fifth quarter to win the championship game?'" Paul McCarrier of Legalize Maine said.
But Republican Rep. Brad Farrin of Norridgewock pointed out that extending the moratorium now could help people in the marijuana industry plan their futures.
"I'd rather know about that up front, because I think it really could disrupt my business a lot more on the other side," Farrin said.
The bill would also restrict marijuana use to non-public places and prohibit use inside vehicles, similar to the current rules in place regarding alcohol use.
Two-thirds of the legislature needs to support the bill, as it was submitted as emergency legislation.
However, it does not need to be passed by Jan. 30 in order to be effective, but getting it done by that date would clarify any ambiguity about youth use before any parts of the new marijuana law take effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment