Permit for Marijuana Farmers Market Denied

The City Council in Portland, Maine, is denying a permit to a group that wanted to hold a marijuana farmers market in a public park.

The Portland Press Herald reports the council voted 5-4 against granting the permit on Monday. The councilors previously granted New World Organics of Belfast permission to hold the New England Cannabis Farmers Market in Deering Oaks. Council members say they revisited the issue after hearing advertising for the event which they say suggested marijuana would be available for use.

An initial application for the Aug. 9 event also said admission would be free. Organizers later wanted to charge a $10 fee to get in. Event organizer Justin Olsen says the market is designed to be a networking event and "not a place for people to smoke."