PORTLAND

Campaigners who oppose Maine’s move toward legalized marijuana are entering their final full day of collecting signatures to force a recount.

The No On 1 campaign needs to collect 100 signatures by 5 p.m. on Wednesday to bring about the recount. A spokeswoman for the Maine Department of the Secretary of State says a recount would likely take several weeks.

Mainers voted to legalize recreational marijuana on Nov. 8. The vote was decided by a fraction of a percentage point, and opponents of legalization said last week that they would pursue a recount.

Gov. Paul LePage has expressed skepticism about the move toward legalization. The Republican governor said during a radio appearance last week that he plans to delay taking the steps to establish necessary marijuana regulations in Maine.

Shortly after the results were tabulated, the No On 1 campaign issued a statement indicating they would likely seek a recount.

“Our coalition has received emails, phone calls, and social media messages from many Mainers who are part of the 50 percent who voted No on Question 1.” stated then-Campaign Director Scott Gagnon. “These Maine voters are encouraging the coalition to stand firm as the stakes are incredibly high for Maine’s youth and Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. It is our duty to exercise all rights available to ensure the final results are a fair and accurate representation of the will of all Mainers.”

“Based on reports from towns and the state, we estimate to have won by over 4,600 votes,” said David Boyer, campaign manager for Yes on 1, in a statement issued last week. “We understand the opposition is disappointed, but Maine voters have spoken and they have passed Question 1. We hope that the No on 1 campaign will concede and work with us to successfully implement Question 1 over the coming months.”

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