“I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” ~ Genesis 1:29

Mindful of that highest decree, Rev. Jill Saxby and five other members of the clergy have joined hands, penning an open letter regarding the benefits of voting “Yes On 1,” and legalizing recreational marijuana for those over the age of 21 in the great state of Maine, on November 8, 2016.

Potentially benefiting schools, drug prevention programs, the homeless, and Maine’s overall fiscal outlook, the legalization of recreational marijuana would allow for the taxation and regulation of an otherwise black market substance; propagating a new and safe industry for the state’s economy.

Hopefully soon joining the ranks of Maine’s 5 biggest industries, the legalization of recreational marijuana would create new employment opportunities for all while planting the seeds of strong economic growth for the region.

Provided Maine’s voters pass Question 1; the new law would establish regulations and standards for the plant’s cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. With the ultimate goal of protection in mind, Question 1 provides for the regulation and protection of its consumers from contaminated products – as well as providing informative labels regarding potency and dosage. Protecting their environment as well as their citizens, Maine’s Question 1 regulations would also establish environmental parameters for legal cultivators to follow.

With fingers crossed for all states stepping up and voting for legalization this November, the Clergy for a New Drug Policy have been touching bases with fellow clergy along the Eastern seaboard, in order to promote the elevated wisdom of legalization.