The Maine marijuana referendum won approval by a fraction of a percentage point after a count that took nearly two days after Election Day 2016. Pictured: Boxes of petition signatures for a Maine marijuana legalization initiative are delivered to state officials on Feb. 1, 2016 as protesters wave signs in Augusta, Maine. (Tom Bell, The Associated Press)

Not so fast: Maine marijuana passed, but opponents place recount request

Published: • Updated:

By The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — Opponents of a vote to legalize Maine marijuana have taken the first step toward a potential recount request.

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Voters in the state chose to legalize recreational marijuana via a referendum vote this week. The referendum won approval by a fraction of a percentage point after a count that took nearly two days.

The No On 1 campaign says it has picked up petition papers from the secretary of state’s office. Campaign director Scott Gagnon (gon-YUR’) says the coalition that opposes legalization has received numerous requests to continue the fight.

Gagnon says the campaign is considering filing for a recount because of potential harm to Maine children and the state’s medical marijuana program.

Supporters of legalization say home cultivation could be legal by Christmas.