AUGUSTA, Maine - A nationally-backed campaign to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Maine is raising more money than a local effort that has the same goal.
Maine campaign finance reports say the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has raised $104,166 this year. The filings also say the group raised $53,011 during the quarter that ended June 30. The group is backed by the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project. The D.C. group donated $50,000 to the campaign in June.
Filings say local group Legalize Maine raised $25,290 during the same quarter. The group has raised $55,575 this year.
Both groups are asking residents if the question of legalization should be on the ballot in 2016. Legalize Maine representatives say their group is a local alternative that will give state residents preferential treatment.