As expected, Maine Gov. Paul LePage on Friday vetoed a bill to regulate sales of recreational marijuana, citing concerns such as how the Trump administration might react to states that have legalized cannabis.
His veto sets up a potential showdown when Maine lawmakers reconvene Monday.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Friday was the last day for LePage to veto the bill, which voters passed in a statewide referendum vote in 2016.
- Legalization forces have remained hopeful they can persuade a small number of representatives who voted against the measure to support an override vote.
- If the veto override by lawmakers fails, the original legalization initiative passed by voters would become the statute on the books. It’s not as comprehensive as the new bill but still provides guidelines for regulators.
- These hurdles mean Maine’s recreational cannabis program may get pushed back until late next year or even early 2019.
credit:mjbizdaily.com
