Maine man claims group gathering signatures on marijuana petition misled him

OG article by Julia Simone,

January 20, 2026

A Maine resident, Devon Roy, alleges that signature gatherers for a petition to repeal aspects of recreational marijuana misled him. The petition seeks to eliminate commercial cultivation, sales, purchases, and manufacturing of cannabis starting in 2028, while preserving personal possession of up to 2.5 ounces. Roy was approached at a Scarborough Walmart by out-of-state organizers who claimed the measure would test marijuana for pesticides and evaluate safety, without showing the full text. Feeling deceived, he contacted the Maine Secretary of State, who confirmed signatures are irreversible and advised voters to read petitions carefully. Secretary Shenna Bellows noted common regrets from incomplete understanding. Similar complaints appear on social media. The effort needs about 68,000 valid signatures by early February for the 2026 ballot. Maine's cannabis market has grown significantly, with annual retail sales rising from $82 million to over $243 million. The case highlights challenges in petition processes and voter awareness in cannabis policy reversals.