The final cannabis ballot measure race that was still undecided following the November elections has finally ended: Adult-use cannabis will be legal in Maine.
The 'No on 1' campaign, which opposed the legalization of adult-use cannabis in the New England state, conceded the race Saturday, Dec. 17, after 30 percent of the ballots were recounted and little to no change in the results.
"After counting nearly a third of all the ballots in Maine, it was clear that the recount was not going to change the result. We are grateful that the 'No on 1' campaign has conceded and look forward to working together towards a successful implementation of Question 1," said David Boyer, campaign manager for 'Yes on 1,' in a statement.
According to Kristen Muszynski, the communications director for the secretary of state’s office, officials from both parties and the state government will meet on Tuesday to settle whatever disputed ballots there are. Following that, the measure will head to the governor’s office where the governor will have 10 days to make the official proclamation.
“From the date of issuance [of the proclamation, the 30-day clock begins for that legislation to become law,” Muszynski explained in an email.
On Nov. 29, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap announced a recount on Question 1, which would legalize recreational cannabis for adults age 21 and over in the state. The 'No on One' campaign brought forward the recount request after official results showed a victory for Question 1 by just 4,073 votes.
