Maine voters pass measure legalizing marijuana use

Maine voters approved a ballot measure that will allow adults over 21 to use marijuana for recreational purposes.

{mosads}The Associated Press on Thursday afternoon called the race, more than a day after voting closed Tuesday evening.

The measure was backed by groups like the New Approach PAC and the Marijuana Policy Project, two longtime supporters of liberalizing marijuana laws. Travel guru Rick Steves gave the Question 1 campaign $100,000.

Opponents spent less than one-tenth of what proponents put into advertising and campaigning.

Supporters say the measure will help Maine save millions of dollars in legal costs associated with enforcing marijuana laws. The state Office of Fiscal and Program Review estimated taxes on legal marijuana would generate more than $10 million a year.