Portland Pot Petition – 3000+ Signatures

According to a press release from David Boyer, Maine Political Director for the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington D.C., proponents of an initiative to make marijuana possession legal for adults within Portland city limits will turn in a petition following a news conference tomorrow, Thursday at 10am.

The petition contains more than twice the number of signatures needed to place the measure on the November 2013 ballot. Supporters will submit more than 3,000 total signatures; 1,500 valid signatures of registered city voters are needed to qualify. The City Clerk has 15 days to certify the petition.

Prior to submitting the signatures to the City Clerk’s Office, supporters of the initiative will hold a news conference in the State of Maine Room on the second floor of Portland City Hall (389 Congress St.). Speakers will include Portland City Councilor Dave Marshall; Portland Green Independent Committee Chairman Tom MacMillan; David Boyer, Maine political director for the Marijuana Policy Project; ACLU of Maine communications director Rachel Healy; and Jorge Maderal, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Maine.

“We are looking forward to having a public dialogue about marijuana and the need for more sensible, evidence-based marijuana laws,” Boyer said. “Marijuana is far less toxic and less addictive than alcohol, and it does not contribute to acts of violence and reckless behavior like alcohol does. Adults should not be punished simply for choosing to use the less harmful substance.”