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Marijuana Legalization Supporters Kick Off Signature Drive

Sara Gatcomb
David Boyer, manager of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, kicks off the group's signature drive Thursday in Portland.

PORTLAND, Maine - Supporters of one of the two Maine initiatives to legalize marijuana began collecting signatures today.

The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol kicked off its petition drive in downtown Portland in support of a statewide proposal to end the prohibition of recreational marijuana and allow adults to possess up to 1 ounce of it for personal use.

Campaign Manager David Boyer said most Mainers regard marijuana as a mind-altering substance, but one that is safer than alcohol. "Our message in regulating it like alcohol is that it should be legal like alcohol and should be age-controlled like alcohol," Boyer said.

Among those signing the petition was local resident Abigail Tourmey. "Responsible adults should be able to make choices for themselves regarding substances that are far less harmful than alcohol and cigarettes," Tourmey said.

The other citizens' initiative - led by a group called Legalize Maine - would allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.