Augusta, Maine is considering allowing the sale, cultivation, and purchase of recreational marijuana within the city, nearly eight years after statewide legalization. Currently, only medical marijuana businesses are allowed in Augusta, while neighboring communities permit retail sales. The proposal, which recently went through its first reading before the Augusta City Council, aims to bring new tax revenues to the city, provide legal access to residents, and ensure product safety through legitimate businesses.
The Planning Board has recommended changes to city ordinances to allow adult use cannabis businesses, replacing medical marijuana regulations with more inclusive cannabis rules. The proposal also removes a cap on the number of cannabis businesses that can operate in the city, allowing free enterprise to dictate the market. Additionally, the city may consider a moratorium on manufacturing marijuana with explosive substances until proper regulations are in place.
Councilors in Augusta are considering these changes to align with the state’s legalization of adult use marijuana and allow businesses to operate within the city limits. If the proposal passes the second reading at the council’s next business meeting, Augusta could join other municipalities in Maine in allowing recreational marijuana sales. The final decision will likely take place next month, as the city works to balance economic opportunities with safety concerns surrounding the industry.
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