Toke Therapy - East Coast Joins In

[HairOfTheDog]

Yesterday, 70% of voters in Portland, Maine voted to legalize recreational marijuana.

Medical marijuana is already legal in Maine, and the Portland referendum is seen as largely symbolic, as it does not override state or federal laws. But the passage could spark further efforts to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, as it was in Washington and Colorado in November 2012.

Under the new law, adult residents (21 and older) of Maine's largest city -- may possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. The new measure does not permit the recreational purchase or sale of marijuana, nor does it permit its use in public spaces like parks.

Hoping to see this legalization trend continue.

[Maggot]

I wonder what most Mainiacs think about this.

[Spomd]

Mainiacs are all for it..ok maybe not all, just the smart ones. No, that is not an oxymoron

[Duchess]

So it's alright to have but you have to grow your own. Do I understand that correctly?

Like bread, I want to buy my weed already bagged.

[Spomd]

We do like our products to be Mainemade. You know, all about supporting the local businesses and farms!

[Spomd]

Grow it at home, smoke it at home...I think it is like DADT...do this but dont flaunt it and dont support the dealers LOL.

[HairOfTheDog]

So it's alright to have but you have to grow your own. Do I understand that correctly?

Like bread, I want to buy my weed already bagged.

If you were a Portland Mainiac, it could come to the attention of a police officer that you were in the possession of up to 2.5 ounces - that you either bought bagged or grew yourself - without fear of arrest, or even a fine (as long as you claimed you grew it, found it, got it as a gift...).

Portland ME went beyond decriminalization (fine) and straight to legalization (nada repercussions) for recreational possession quantities.

Other than authorized medicinal marijuana distributors, your source could get busted for selling it though. They still gotta be sneaky and try to avoid buyers with loose lips, for now.

[Spomd]

They could give it to you for a tractor wheel pin though... or a side of beef... or a ¹⁄₂ cord of wood... or a ride to the local gas station for a 12 packLMAO

[Spomd]

Parks are public places. LOL I laugh at that line. No reefer in the park! Sit in your car on the side of the road and dooby up!

[Maggot]

Barter is money. No bout adout it. and tax free.

[Spomd]

Harder to prove though... Maybe you were going to split that cord anyway? Mainiacs are smart in their mainiacness.

[username]

I think that's great but it would be a lot easier if you could just buy the stuff in 2.5 oz. bags off the shelves at CVS (like booze). I thought part of the benefit of legalizing it was the tax income that would be generated for the state?

[HairOfTheDog]

I think that's great but it would be a lot easier if you could just buy the stuff in 2.5 oz. bags off the shelves at CVS (like booze). I thought part of the benefit of legalizing it was the tax income that would be generated for the state?

It's true that one motivation for legalizing recreational marijuana is tax revenue.

I hate taxes though; the more tax revenue, the more government finds a reason to spend.

I don't mind paying a reasonable tax for public works and welfare, but it's effin' insane what I (and many others) pay now via taxes for things that don't benefit me (or many others) in the least.

I'm in favor of legalization because I don't believe that people who choose to light up hurt anybody else. No crime. Just don't think people who get busted for pot possession should end up with a record which holds them back from future employment. Selfishly, I don't appreciate paying to keep them incarcerated, or paying to feed them because they can't get jobs.

[Duchess]

The average stoner doesn't bother anyone. I don't think they can be classified as a druggie & they sure as hell don't do the same kind of things a drunk or a meth head does. It's been my experience that they are as laid back & non-violent as they come. It's a tremendous waste of resources to prosecute these people.

[HairOfTheDog]

It's a tremendous waste of resources to prosecute these people.

It really is wasteful and purposeless.

I like where Colorado is headed in terms of possession laws and also changing its prosecution/incarceration philosophy for all non-violent offenders.

Read this story a while back about how the state is looking to use its prison resources more efficiently and be more effective in determining the best course of action for those arrested for non-violent acts.

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/201...rogram.php

Hope to see other states follow suit and at least investigate the validity of some portions of their criminal/justice processes.

The US is the developed country with the highest percentage of its population incarcerated. Part of the reason, IMO, is because too many acts are labeled as "crimes" and there is monetary incentive to incarcerate in some instances. Time for logical changes to be considered.

[FAHQTOO]

Indiana will be the last state in the country to legalize weed, much the same as buying beer or alcohol on Sunday.

[Maggot]

Indiana will be the last state in the country to legalize weed, much the same as buying beer or alcohol on Sunday.

I get a kick out of "package stores" in Mass. You cannot buy beer or wine at a gas station or corner market. Is that the way it is there?

[Duchess]

It's that way here.

[Maggot]

It's that way here.

I'm sorry you have to accept that. you get more tax revenue if its easily available, and its more convenient.

[Midwest Spy]

Indiana will be the last state in the country to legalize weed, much the same as buying beer or alcohol on Sunday.

Minny has the same law.

No liquor sales (except restaurants) on Sundays.

If you live close to Wisconsin, you head there.