In addition to the state referendum questions, the town of Jefferson will decide whether to indefinitely prohibit recreational marijuana-related businesses on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The ordinance under consideration by Jefferson voters would not impact medical marijuana, but would prohibit recreational marijuana-related businesses, such as retail shops, social clubs, and cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities.
A public hearing on the proposed prohibition was held Sept. 25.
During the public hearing, Jefferson Board of Selectmen Chair Gregory Johnston said the board decided to proceed with an ordinance in an effort to have something on the town’s books while the Maine State Legislature wrangles with the regulatory framework for recreational marijuana sales and licensing.
Johnston said the selectmen elected to pursue an ordinance in lieu of a moratorium because moratoriums last just 180 days, with an optional 180-day extension, before they expire.
Maine legalized recreational marijuana in a statewide referendum in November 2016 by a vote of 381,768-377,773, or 50.3 percent to 49.7 percent.
Jefferson voters opposed the ballot measure by a margin of 927-670.
