Legislation would have permitted pot clubs and could have allowed minors inside retail pot shops
November 3, 2017
CONTACT: SAM Action Press Office
Alexandria, VA – Leading national marijuana policy group Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action (SAM Action), fresh off an open letter campaign to Governor Paul LePage, is applauding the governor today for vetoing dangerous marijuana legislation.
SAM Action is the 501(c)(4) sister organization of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a non-profit co-founded by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Kevin A. Sabet, policy advisor to three U.S. administrations.
“We commend Governor LePage for vetoing legislation written by Big Marijuana that would simply enrich private profits at the expense of public health,” said Kevin A. Sabet, President and CEO of Sam Action. “The only people rushing to legalize are the companies deceiving the public about marijuana’s harms. The legislature should honor this veto and focus on enhancing health and safety.”
Scott Gagnon, Chair of SAM Maine, added, “We thank Governor LePage for slowing this process down with his veto of this reckless bill. Given the close vote last fall, it is clear the majority of Mainers would support an approach that puts health, safety, and families first-and not Big Marijuana, our version of Big Tobacco. It’s time for the Maine Legislature to honor this, and sustain the veto and then get to work fixing these issues.”