On Nov. 4, South Portland voters will be faced with the question of whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana in the city. It is an important decision with profound consequences for the youth and public health of South Portland.

In the view of SAM Maine (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), it is not the right way forward for South Portland.

Numerous studies on marijuana clearly show the effects it has on our youth and our public health. Studies establish that marijuana use in the teen years creates problems with attention, learning and memory. It then comes as no surprise that research indicates teens engaged in marijuana use struggle academically. The science is also clear that one in six teens who start using marijuana will become addicted and many will struggle with that addiction into adulthood. Simply put, marijuana keeps our teens from doing their best and achieving their dreams.

The experience with alcohol and tobacco makes it clear that an age limit of 18 or 21 isn’t enough to keep kids from using. The normalization and increased availability that would come along with legalized marijuana would put more of our youth at risk. As South Portland is engaged in initiatives to reduce youth access to alcohol and tobacco, it would be inconsistent to take marijuana policies in the opposite direction.

It is for these reasons we encourage South Portland voters to vote “No” on legalizing marijuana.

Scott M. Gagnon

Volunteer State Director

Smart Approaches to Marijuana – Maine