Supporters of marijuana legalization are using this truck to spread their message.(Photo: NEWS CENTER)
LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — By this late stage in the election cycle, most of the campaign signs that line the roads blend in with the landscape. Supporters of marijuana legalization in Lewiston have taken their message to the streets to bring more attention to Question 2.
“We want to draw attention to the important fact that marijuana is safer than alcohol,” explained David Boyer, Maine Political Director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “If adults want to use a safer substance, there is no reason they shouldn’t be allowed to.”
The Marijuana Policy Project created a mobile billboard to educate voters about their stance. They argue that marijuana is safer than alcohol, and therefore responsible adults 21 and older should be allowed to use it recreationally. They also hope the message mobilizes voters to have their voices heard.
“It is not a presidential year, enthusiasm is not that high among the electorate, but with this issue people register for the first time, they come out to vote for the first time,” said Boyer. “We hear it down in South Portland, we see it here in Lewiston, people are fired-up to vote for this and not much else.”
Voters in both South Portland and Lewiston will vote on local referendums that if passed, would make possession of up to an ounce of marijuana legal by adults 21 and older. The move, which is modeled after a similar initiative which passed in Portland last fall, is largely symbolic because marijuana is still illegal at the state and federal level.
“I look at that billboard and to me, it is kind of a joke, it is not anything they are really taking seriously,” said Scott Gagnon, volunteer director of Maine Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Opponents of legalization said they worry about the message being sent to kids.
“It would be good for Lewiston voters to really think long and hard about what this, even if it is only symbolic, what does that symbolism mean to our kids and how does that translate to use?” wondered Gagnon.
Voters will decide whether or not to legalize Nov. 4.
Marijuana legalization proponents take message to the streets
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