Don Christen, a prominent advocate for the legalization of marijuana in Maine, died Tuesday due to medical complications.Christen, 72, founded Maine Vocals in 1989 as a grassroots organization dedicated to ending cannabis prohibition and restrictions.On Patriots Day in 1991, Christen smoked marijuana on the steps of the Somerset County Courthouse in Skowhegan in protest of cannabis prohibition, and continued that tradition for decades.Maine Vocals said Christen was instrumental in the first successful Maine statewide referendum for the legalization of cannabis use for medical reasons in 1999. The group said Christen also played a key role in pushing for local ordinances that legalized marijuana.”Don Christen passionately advocated for expanding access to medical marijuana, often proposing broad laws that would make identification cards optional, increase possession limits, and allow use for ‘any illness for which marijuana can provide relief,'” Maine Vocals said in a news release about Christen’s death. “Don Christen will be remembered for his dedication to promoting cannabis liberation, as well as individual freedom.”Christen and Maine Vocals also sponsored multiple annual pro-cannabis festivals, including Hempstock, Harvest Fest and Freedom Fest.In November 2016, Maine voters approved a referendum question that legalized the recreational use, retail sale and taxation of cannabis in the state.As with alcohol sales, Maine municipalities can vote on whether or not to be a “dry town” regarding cannabis retail establishments and social clubs.