Victory on 1! Last night the voters of Portland approved Question 1 - legalizing marijuana use by adults - by almost 70%! The people of Portland have sent a message (a resounding message at that!) to lawmakers across the state and the nation that now is the time for reform of our marijuana laws. The War on Marijuana has failed. Our criminal justice system is maxed out, our prisons and jails overcrowded, our budgets strained, and we are no safer for it. Furthermore, we have seen incalculable human costs. To read more on the ACLU’s work on marijuana reform and the consequences of prohibition click here. It is time now for a more sensible approach to marijuana - one that better protects our families and communities by allowing us to use our taxpayer dollars and policing resources more effectively and stops unnecessarily funneling people into our overcrowded criminal justice system! And last night Portland took the lead, becoming the first city in Maine and on the East Coast to legalize marijuana use by adults! The ACLU of is thrilled to join the voters of Portland in celebrating this historic first step towards reform!
Yes on 1!!! Victory in Portland!
Related Issues
Related content

Takeaways from the Supreme Court's Term
July 7, 2025
Weekly Highlights May 25 – 31
May 30, 2025
Weekly Highlights May 12 – 16
May 15, 2025
Voters Reject President Trump's Dystopian Plans for "Public Safety"
May 14, 2025
Superior Court Rejects State’s Attempt to Halt Relief for People...
May 13, 2025
Weekly Highlights: March 31 – April 4
April 4, 2025
Weekly Highlights: March 17 – 21
March 21, 2025
What a Landmark Ruling Means for Public Defense in Maine
March 7, 2025