Maine Committee Rejects Bill Legalizing Marijuana

A legislative committee has voted to reject a bill seeking to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Maine, but supporters say the real fight will be on the House floor.

Democratic Rep. Diane Russell's bill was rejected Thursday by the criminal justice committee and would have allowed people 21 and older to have as much as one ounce of pot. It would also set a 10 percent tax rate on marijuana sales, The Press Herald reports.

The tax revenues would go to public school construction, substance abuse programs, drug and alcohol awareness among youth and regulation.

Under a compromise unveiled Thursday, the bill would allow up to 45 marijuana retail stores around the state.

Supporters of the bill say it gives policy-makers more control over the regulatory system.