Landmark Electoral Victories in Maine and Colorado
by Mike Meno

Last night’s election produced two noteworthy victories for the marijuana policy reform movement.

In Maine, an estimated 58 percent of voters approved Question 5, making Maine the third state in the nation (along with Rhode Island and New Mexico) to establish state-licensed non-profit dispensaries that will provide medical marijuana to qualified patients. This is also significant because it is the first time such a system was enacted by voters. (The other two were approved by state legislatures.)

And in Colorado, more than 70 percent of voters in the tiny ski town of Breckenridge voted to remove city-level criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for adults over 21. While possession of any amount is still illegal under state law, the citizens of Breckenridge have undoubtedly sent a message to lawmakers in Colorado—and around the country—by taking this first and necessary step toward the end of marijuana prohibition.

Breck joins Denver as the second city to legalize small possession by adults, and by 70%, wow that's a fuckin lot. I'm proud to call Colorado home. I think we are ready for another try at the statewide constitutional amendment for legalization. I heard some rumors that SAFER has one in the works for the next year or two. The last try got 41% yes, so it's absolutely possible that it would pass.