Opponents of Maine Marijuana Vote Take Out Recount Papers

Opponents of a vote to legalize marijuana in Maine have taken the first step toward a potential recount request.

Voters in the state chose to legalize recreational marijuana via a referendum vote this week. The referendum won approval by a fraction of a percentage point after a count that took nearly two days.

The No On 1 campaign says it has picked up petition papers from the secretary of state’s office. Campaign director Scott Gagnon says the coalition that opposes legalization has received numerous requests to continue the fight.

Gagnon says the campaign is considering filing for a recount because of potential harm to Maine children and the state’s medical marijuana program.

Supporters of legalization say home cultivation could be legal by Christmas.