Law Allows Cities to Bar Medical Pot Facilities Near Schools in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine has granted temporary regulatory powers to local officials after a town recently discovered it had no authority under the state's long-standing medical marijuana program to restrict a pot growing facility from being opened next to a school.

The Kennebec Journal reports Republican Gov. Paul LePage signed the new law June 23. It lets cities set rules to prevent caregivers from growing pot within 500 feet of a school.

The bill was introduced this month when Richmond officials found they could not stop a 30,000-square-foot marijuana facility proposed less than 300 feet from a school.

A trade group for marijuana caregivers said most assumed a similar law was already in place. Caregivers can provide marijuana to a small number of patients.

(Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/)