Cities, Towns in Maine Putting Hold on Pot Shops before Vote

Cities and towns around Maine are looking to put moratoriums on the sale of marijuana in advance of a vote that could make the substance legal in the state.

Maine voters will decide whether to allow legal recreational marijuana use in the state on Nov. 8.

At issue are retail stores and social clubs expected to start popping around Maine after legalization, if it passes.

The Maine Municipal Association says it appears dozens of municipalities are looking to pass moratoriums on such facilities, or have done so already. State law allows cities and towns to enact 180-day temporary bans on local development permitting and approvals.

Bangor Mayor Sean Faircloth's city has enacted a 180-day moratorium. He says it will allow the city to prepare local rules if pot goes legal. —WESTBROOK, Maine (AP)