PORTLAND, Maine — A new law legalizing marijuana for recreational use went into effect Friday in Maine’s largest city, providing a symbolic victory that marijuana advocates intend to use as a springboard to a statewide law.
The city ordinance makes it legal for adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, but police officers will continue to enforce state law that makes possession of up to 2.5 ounces a civil violation.
Mayor Michael Brennan said there were only 54 marijuana citations in the past year, reflecting the low priority that police officers place on the offenses. He expects the numbers will drop further.
‘‘We believe police will continue as they have in using discretion in enforcing marijuana laws,’’ he said.
Marijuana advocates want the Police Department to follow the lead of Jackson, Mich., where they say police are taking a hands-off approach following passage of a similar ordinance.
‘‘We hope that city officials respect the will of the voters,’’ said David Boyer, Maine political director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “If not, we’ll try to make sure they do. That’s our stance.”
City voters passed the referendum 67 percent to 33 percent, making Portland the first East Coast city to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The city ordinance makes it legal for people 21 and older to possess marijuana, but not to purchase or to sell it. It remains illegal to use pot in public.
State Representative Diane Russell, a supporter of legalizing marijuana, said she is disappointed that the Legislature will not be considering a similar statewide proposal in January.
But she said it is inevitable that others will follow the lead of Portland. Possession of marijuana is legal in Colorado and Washington state.