Mainers got their first opportunity to legally buy marijuana for recreational use, but a supply shortage was a potential buzzkill.
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Mainers got their first opportunity to legally buy marijuana for recreational use, but a supply shortage was a potential buzzkill. Retailers blame the pandemic and a limited number of licensed manufacturers for reducing the variety of products available. Licenses were issued only a month ago, causing retailers to scramble to stock their shelves. That didn’t deter shoppers. “This is a big day,” Ben Bolstridge, of Lewiston, said after making his purchases Friday. “It’s the first time in Maine history that you can actually buy recreational marijuana. That’s awesome. I wanted to be here today.” Maine becomes the second state in New England with stores selling marijuana for recreational use. The first stores opened in Massachusetts in November 2018. Maine’s road to becoming the 10th state allowing the retail sale of marijuana for recreational use was exceptionally arduous.
