Maine
Proposed changes to Maine cannabis laws won’t appear on November ballot
Mainers will not weigh in on whether to cease recreational cannabis sales in Maine — at least not this November.
Organizers of the petition drive, which seeks to close the recreational cannabis market in Maine and strengthen state oversight of the medical marijuana market, did not submit their petition signatures by Monday’s deadline, the secretary of state’s office confirmed Wednesday.
At least 67,682 signatures, or 10% of the votes cast for governor in 2022, would have had to be submitted by Feb. 2 to put the cannabis question on the November ballot.
That does not necessarily mean the effort is dead, but it does mean it will not go to voters this year. Madison Carey, one of the organizers of the petition drive, did not answer a phone call Wednesday evening and their voicemail inbox was full.
Organizers were seeking to repeal parts of the Maine Cannabis Legalization Act that allows for commercial cultivation, sale, purchase and manufacturing of recreational cannabis and cannabis products. The 15-page proposal, pushed by the political committee Mainers for a Safe and Healthy Future, would end all recreational sales and home-growing operations beginning Jan. 1, 2028. It would also add tracking and testing standards for medicinal cannabis previously opposed by caregivers.
Legalized by voters in 2016, Maine’s recreational marijuana market has grown from $82 million in 2021, the first full year of sales, to $244 million in 2024, the most profitable year yet. Preliminary sales figures put 2025 on pace to reach about $248 million, but final figures have not yet been released, according to data from the state Office of Cannabis Policy.
The petition effort was subject to criticism after some people accused signature collectors of misrepresenting the initiative. One person who spoke with the Press Herald last month said the petition was represented to them as an effort to ensure cannabis was free of toxic chemicals. They only learned it was to end recreational cannabis sales in Maine after they had signed.
At the time, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said there was nothing her office could do if signature gatherers misrepresented a ballot initiative.
“You have a right to lie under the First Amendment,” she said. “I do not have authority to take any enforcement action over the truth of what is being said.”
Funding for the effort came from an out-of-state source. Smart Approach to Marijuana Action Inc., a dark money group from Virginia, was the only donor listed on organizers’ campaign finance reports last month, contributing $2 million.
PORTLAND — Perhaps the June Swoon is over for the Portland Hearts of Pine.
A flurry of second-half activity Wednesday night resulted in four goals and a much-needed 5-1 USL League One victory against the Richmond Kickers that had fans buzzing with feel-good frenzy at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Ollie Wright scored the go-ahead goal on a header off a great cross from Jaden Jones-Reilly in the 57th minute. In short order, Konstantinos Georgallides and Aboubacar Camara each added a goal, and then Camara got a second late in extra time.
Diego Gonzalez, playing his third game with Portland, added friskiness to the midfield and opened the scoring with a header in the first half. He also assisted on Camara’s first goal with a slick through pass.
Portland had lost four straight games, including three in a row in USL1. The Hearts are now 4-5-5 in league play and moved from 13th to 10th in the 17-team league, just three points out of the eight-team playoff picture.
It was a dramatic reversal from Portland’s most recent game, a 5-1 loss at Westchester SC on Friday that was shown live back in Portland at an open-air setting in Monument Square.
PREVIOUSLY IN JUNE
When the month of May ended with a gritty home win against Spokane, Portland was 3-2-4 in league play and overcoming injuries.
June has not been as kind. Portland entered Wednesday’s game on a four-game losing streak. Digging into the numbers, the skid looked even worse.
It was the first time the Hearts had lost four straight games in their brief year-and-a-half history. They were outscored 15-5 in that stretch, and 15-3 starting with the two extra-time goals they allowed in a 3-2 loss at Corpus Christi.
Portland had also lost three straight against USL League One games for the first time.
Two of the four losses were ugly 5-1 affairs. Portland didn’t lose by more than three goals and had just four losses by two or more goals in 2025.
RETURNS AND NOTES
Portland was glad to have Mikey Lopez back on the game-day roster. Lopez, who had bene out more than month because of an injury, entered as a 75th-minute sub with Portland leading 4-1. … Sean Vinberg, one of Portland’s primary starting center backs in 2025, became the second former Hearts player to return to Fitzpatrick, wearing the captain’s band for Richmond. Vinberg was released at the end of the 2025 season. He made 33 starts for Portland, second most on the team. … Maine Gatorade High School Soccer Players of the Year Finn Coburn (Scarborough) and Noelle Mallory (Cape Elizabeth) handled the honorary coin toss before the match.
A meal that would normally cost more than $30 is available for less than $12 at Governor’s Restaurants on Wednesday.
Governor’s is celebrating its 67th anniversary by offering its lobster roll for $11.67.
The annual promotion, known as Lobster Roll Day, begins when restaurants open at 8 a.m. and continues until supplies run out.
Governor’s operates six locations across Maine in Old Town, Bangor, Ellsworth, Waterville, Lewiston and Presque Isle.
Customers should be aware that several locations are offering cash-only drive-thru service for the event.
Join Girl Scouts of Maine for a sweet summer stop you won’t want to miss!
We’re popping up at local ice cream shops around Maine for our Ice Cream Socials—fun, casual events where families can enjoy a free treat and learn more about Girl Scouts.
Here’s what to expect:
🍦 One FREE kid-sized cone per family when you stop by and connect with us
🌱 Hands-on activity for kids (like a planting activity or fidget spinner craft)
💬 A chance to chat with our team and learn how Girl Scouts builds confidence, friendships, and unforgettable experiences
Whether you’re curious about joining, looking for activities for your child, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, we’d love to meet you!
✨ Open to all families—no registration required. Just stop by, say hello, and enjoy some ice cream with us.
The Saco Scoop
05:30 PM – 07:30 PM on Tue, 14 Jul 2026
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