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U.S. NEWS Monday 7 october 2019

Maine on track for legal

marijuana sales by

spring 2020

By PATRICK WHITTLE depend on how complete
Associated Press they are, he said. "We won't
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — know until we get applica-
Maine marijuana enthusi- tions. It's possible we get
asts will probably be able applications from some-
to purchase their preferred one who has all their ducks
products in retail stores by in a row and has a munici-
March 2020 after years of pality lined up that's poised
waiting. to give them local authori-
Voters approved legal zation," Heidrich said.
adult-use marijuana at the Maine's rollout of legal
polls in November 2016, marijuana has been be-
and the road to legal sales set with hiccups, such as a This April 22, 2016, file photo shows a marijuana bud at a medical marijuana facility in Unity,
has been long and bumpy. squabble over the hiring of Maine.
But a key act passed by the a key consultant, and was Associated Press
Legislature is now in effect, also slowed by former Gov.
and that means the Maine Paul LePage's opposition to
Office of Marijuana Policy legalization.
is in a position to complete However, the result has
final adoption of marijuana been a process that will
rules, said David Heidrich, ultimately protect pub-
an office spokesman. lic health and safety, said
The act made tweaks to Scott Gagnon, who led a
Maine's Marijuana Legal- drive against legalization
ization Act that were nec- and has since played a
essary for the marijuana role on a state marijuana
office to adopt the rules, commission.
which it is expected to do "From a public health per-
within two months. That spective it has been a
means it will likely be able slower pace, a more de-
to accept applications for liberative pace than has
retail marijuana sales by happened in some states,"
the end of 2019, Heidrich Gagnon said. "I think that's
said. been good."
The state will need time to David Boyer, an indepen-
process the applications, dent marijuana industry
and retailers will also need consultant in Maine, said
local approvals, but the that it's "disappointing
state is projecting revenue that adults still don't have
from marijuana sales by a place to purchase le-
March 15, Heidrich said. gal cannabis in Maine,"
How swiftly the applica- but that the finish line is in
tions are approved might sight.q

linda.reijnders@cspnv.com