AUGUSTA, Maine — It’s been well-reported that there are two competing groups trying to place marijuana legalization on the state ballot in 2016. The two plans differ in how much marijuana can be sold, how many retail operations will be allowed, and even which state agency should license growers and sellers.

Despite some overtures at cooperation to get a single ballot question to voters next year, it’s unlikely that the two groups — Marijuana Policy Project and Legalize Maine — will join forces. Both want to “free the plant,” but they have very different visions for what legalization should look like.

Voters won’t be asked to choose between the two proposals. The quirks of the state’s direct citizens initiative process mean that Mainers will be able to support one proposal, both or neither. That means it’s possible that both pass, creating two different laws that disagree with each other.

In legalese, I think that’s called “a total mess.” [Read more at the Bangor Daily News]