An Act To Protect Children from Marijuana Sales by Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments and Social Clubs near Schools

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  in November 2016, the citizens of the State by majority vote approved the Marijuana Legalization Act, which provides for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use and retail sale; and

Whereas,  the Marijuana Legalization Act does not include restrictions on the placement and operation of retail marijuana establishments or retail marijuana social clubs in close proximity to public and private schools; and

Whereas,  the Marijuana Legalization Act goes into effect January 30, 2017; and

Whereas,  to ensure that restrictions are in place to prevent the placement and operation of retail marijuana establishments and retail marijuana social clubs in close proximity to public and private schools, this legislation needs to take immediate effect; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §2447, sub-§7, ¶A,  as enacted by IB 2015, c. 5, §1, is amended to read:

Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §2447, sub-§7, ¶A-1  is enacted to read:

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill restricts the licensing authority of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry under the Marijuana Legalization Act by prohibiting the issuance of a license under that Act to operate a retail marijuana establishment or a retail marijuana social club that is to be located within 2,000 feet of the property line of a preexisting school.