Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, factual information to help Blue Hill voters decide with confidence.

1. Why is this on the ballot?

A citizen petition signed by 179 Blue Hill residents asked that voters decide whether to allow a licensed adult-use (recreational) cannabis retail store. On November 4, that decision is yours.

2. What does a YES vote mean?

Local control. Blue Hill “opts in” to allow one licensed store—regulated under Maine’s strict state laws. The Town will draft its own ordinance to set rules for location, hours, signage, and enforcement.

3. What does a NO vote mean?

Status quo. Blue Hill remains opted out. Residents continue traveling to neighboring towns to buy legal cannabis, and the Town receives no local revenue or licensing benefits.

4. Will this increase youth access?

No. Sales are limited to adults 21 and over, with mandatory ID checks. Violations bring severe penalties, including license suspension. Research from states like Maine and Massachusetts shows no increase in youth use after legalization.

5. How will this affect safety?

Stronger oversight. Cannabis is already legal statewide. A licensed store must follow strict state and local security rules—cameras, alarms, secure storage, and compliance inspections.

6. Will a store be downtown?

No. State law requires at least a 1,000-foot buffer from K–12 schools, which keeps retail out of the downtown area near GSA.

7. Will there be a smell?

No. Any store must have an approved Odor Control Plan and ensure no detectable odor at the property line. Violations can trigger enforcement or license review.

8. Is this run by an outside company?

No. This initiative comes from local residents—not from cannabis companies or outside investors.

9. How many stores would be allowed?

One. Draft guardrails propose a single store town-wide, with a formal review after 12 months to assess community impact.

10. How does this affect local revenue?

Revenue stays here. Blue Hill would receive its share of state cannabis excise tax revenue and collect local licensing fees—helping reduce reliance on property taxes.

11. What happens after a YES vote?

If voters approve the opt-in, the Select Board will draft a proposed ordinance detailing rules for operations, safety, buffers, and enforcement. Voters must approve that ordinance at a future Town Meeting before any store can open.