Maine Governor Vetoes Bill to Establish Legal Marijuana System
Legislation that would have allowed for the implemenation of a marijuana legalization law passed by voters in 2016 has been vetoed by Maine Governor Paul LePage.
Maine Governor Paul LePage.
Governor LePage’s veto is the second time he’s vetoed legislation that would have established a regulated system for legal marijuana cultivation and sales.
In his veto letter for LD 1719 (published by Marijuana Business Daily), Governor LePage wrote that he “cannot in good conscience support a law that, on its face, violates federal law.” Fortunately the state’s legislature has enough votes to override the governor’s veto, given support doesn’t change among many legislators
“It’s disappointing”, says David Boyer, Maine political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, “but he made it clear to the Legislature that if he didn’t get 100% of what he wanted, he’d veto it”.
If the legislature does override LePage’s veto, recreational marijuana would be taxed at 20%, while medical cannabis would continue to be taxed at 5.5% for flower and 8% for edibles.
In 2016 Governor LePage drew the ire of many when he said that out of state drug dealers “with the name D-Money, Smoothie, Shifty”, are impregnating the “young white” girls of Maine.
Sali Colburn
Look at the tax money. Alcohol should be higher tax too! Medical is so necessary. It’s time to wise up.