Today was a big day for Maine marijuana users. Recreational marijuana is officially legal as of Monday January 30th, 2017. This comes only a few days after Maine Governor Paul LePage signed a marijuana moratorium into law.

While this moratorium does not change the legalization of possession and the like, it did kick the can down the road for the retail sale of the plant. Don't expect dispensaries until 2018, but here's what it all means for Maine marijuana users.

Maine's Question 1

Maine was one of a handful of states to pass some form of cannabis legalization measures at the ballots in November. Maine voters passed Question 1 via a slim margin of less than 4000 votes. With 381,768 votes or 50.26% of the votes, Maine became yet another green state.

A vote yes on Question 1 "supported legalizing recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21" according to online American political encyclopedia, Ballotpedia.

While opponents initially requested an official recount, they abandoned this effort on December 17th due to potentially high cost to the tax payer as well as the long time it would have taken to complete.

What it Means for Maine

Now, Maine residents over the age of 21 are legally allowed to cultivate, posses, transport and share marijuana. In fact, recreational users can posses up to 2.5 oz. of cannabis, which is two and a half times the legal possession limit in nearby Massachusetts.

Unfortunately for those who are more into edibles, the consumption of edible retail marijuana products if off limits until 2018. Dispensaries will also have to wait until 2018, since Governor LePage signed the moratorium on Friday. The extra year gives lawmakers time to better plan their marijuana retail sales program.

Conclusion

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