State legislators in Maine have just done something remarkable. Today, in a striking display of political will, lawmakers in both chambers of the legislature voted to override Governor LePage’s veto of a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis sales. Republican Gov. Paul LePage had long-vowed to block any recreational bill that crossed his desk. But after only a brief debate prior to the voting, Maine lawmakers were able to override the governor to start adult-use marijuana sales.
Maine’s House and Senate Unite To Overcome Governor’s Veto
According to Maine’s constitution, a veto override requires a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers. Wednesday’s votes to overturn the governor’s veto of an adult-use marijuana bill easily cleared that hurdle.
In the state House, legislatures voted 109 in favor to 39 against overturning LePage’s veto. In the Senate, the margin in favor was even higher, with 28 yeas and just 8 nays.
Indeed, the only reason Maine’s legislature was able to override the veto was that the bill had initially cleared the House with a veto-proof margin of 112-34.
The success of the votes represents a significant step toward implementing the legal recreational cannabis market voters approved back in 2016. Nevertheless, it remains an initial step. And Governor LePage still has moves he can make to delay the launch of a legal retail market for cannabis.
Maine’s Governor LePage Can Still Delay Adult-Use Cannabis Sales
Back in February, it seemed LePage, a steadfast foe of legalization, was prepared to concede a small patch of ground to medical cannabis patients, if only for a short while.
On the eve of the state’s planned rollout of tough new regulations restricting access to certain medical cannabis products, LePage announced that he would