Maine ‘High’ on Recreational Marijuana Use

Maine has moved a step closer to legalizing marijuana for recreational use.

A bill — co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Aaron Russell and Democratic Rep. Diane Russell — was introduced Thursday to put the issue before voters, The Bangor Daily News reports.

If passed, a statewide referendum would decide on a law that would legalize the possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and levy a tax of $50 per ounce.

But under the law, it would still be illegal to smoke marijuana in public.

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The taxing and regulation of marijuana could earn the Pine Tree State an estimated $13 million a year.

“We have retail establishments that grow and supply [medical] marijuana to responsible consumers,” Russell told the newspaper.

“It’s now time to institute that same strict regulatory infrastructure for responsible adult recreational consumers.”