SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - A pro-marijuana activist and a Maine police chief sparred in a debate about referendums that would legalize recreational use of the drug in two cities.
The Portland Press Herald reports Marijuana Policy Project Maine political director David Boyer and South Portland Police Chief Edward Googins attracted a crowd of nearly 100 people to the Wednesday night debate.
Googins described marijuana as "addictive'' and said its use is often "intertwined'' with criminal incidents police investigate. Boyer argued that marijuana is safer than alcohol and should be legal for adults age 21 and older.
Proposals in South Portland Lewiston would allow those adults to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use. Portland approved a similar measure last year.