An ordinance legalizing possession of marijuana for non-medical use in Maineamp;rsquo;s largest city goes into effect Friday. Last month, Portland voters approved by a wide margin the legalization measure, which allows individuals 21 or older to carry 2.5 ounces or less of the drug according to city rules.While medical use of marijuana has been legal in Maine since 1999, and larger scale medical marijuana dispensaries have been legal since 2009, the Portland ordinance is the first in the state to legalize pot for recreational purposes. Possession and recreational use of marijuana remains illegal under state law, and all uses of the drug continue to be outlawed under federal law. - The Bangor Daily News
