Updated 3:10 p.m.: Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he’s using an executive order to shift oversight of licensing and enforcement relating to legal marijuana. LePage sparred with state lawmakers about who should have authority over marijuana sales in Maine. He gave the authority to the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations on Monday. The order […]
scott gagnon
Posted inLetters
S. Gagnon: The people have spoken
Recently, at the State House, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee overwhelmingly rejected LD 1380 — a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Maine. Republicans and Democrats joined together in the 10-3 vote against the bill. The bill will next go to the full House. Typically, the full Legislature will recognize and support the […]
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Posted inMaine
Marijuana advocate, opponent square off in 4/20 debate
PORTLAND — Access to marijuana among children and the economic impact of the drug were among points of contention Monday as top advocates for and against pot legalization took part in a campaign-style debate in Portland. David Boyer, head of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, squared off against Scott Gagnon, Maine director of […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Spokesmen square off in pot debate at Bates College
LEWISTON — Would the passage of a local referendum to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana for private use within city limits make the city safer or would it lead to greater use among teens? Those are the two positions staked out by the spokesmen representing both sides of the issue that will […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Scott Gagnon: Marijuana is not the way forward for Lewiston
On Nov. 4, the voters of Lewiston will have many important decisions before them. One of those crucial decisions will be whether or not to legalize marijuana. On the surface, it may not seem like a big deal. After all, nothing changes legally as state and federal drug laws pre-empt local law. However, the symbolism […]
Posted inLetters
S. Gagnon: Concerned about marijuana
Sen. Susan Collins hit the nail on the head when she explained to the Sun Journal (Aug. 29) her opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana. Collins is a leader in the Senate for supporting youth substance abuse prevention. We at SAM Maine (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) wholeheartedly agree with her concerns. As Sen. Collins […]
Posted inLetters
S. Gagnon: Concerned about marijuana use
It was recently revealed by the Marijuana Policy Project that it will target Lewiston and two other Maine towns this year. MPP is a special-interest group from Washington, D.C., that provided the muscle behind the legalization ordinance in Portland. In its push to legalize marijuana in Portland, MPP engaged in a messaging campaign that provided […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Scott Gagnon: Marijuana legalization is the wrong way for Maine
As the Portland marijuana ordinance goes into effect, and the discussion has pivoted to statewide legalization in Maine, now is the time to examine what this policy path could mean for Maine. Many Mainers may think marijuana policy doesn’t really impact them in their daily lives. However, there are many risks to public health and […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Maine
National group organizes against pro-marijuana forces in advance of 2016
LEWISTON — Anticipating a showdown in 2016, a national group called Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) launched a Maine chapter Wednesday with a local advocate at the helm. Scott Gagnon described the group as having a nuanced approach to marijuana use; it’s against both legalization and heavy enforcement. “We can’t arrest our way out […]