Robert Celt
New Member
Recreational marijuana could become legal in Massachusetts when voters head to the polls in November and lawmakers want to be ready.
A group of senators has been researching the issue for a year and on Monday, FOX25's Vanessa Welch got an early look at a report along with two of their concerns if voters say yes.
FOX25 was with Massachusetts state senators as they tracked recreational marijuana from seed to sale in Colorado where it has been legal since 2012
Lessons from the trip, combined with a years-worth of research by the special senate committee come together in a 90 page report to shape public policy if voters approve legalization.
FOX25 got an exclusive look at the report today and learned the committee is recommending a ban on certain edible forms of marijuana that appeal to children
"Something like gummy bear or something that could be mistaken by a child those would not have a place in Massachusetts," Sen. Jason Lewis said.
The proposed ballot question includes a 12 percent tax rate, but senators recommend a rate that could be as much as three times that.
"We are concerned what the ballot question proposes would not be significant to even cover the costs of regulating the industry and law enforcement and public health campaigns and so on," Lewis said,
The report estimates Massachusetts would collect $50 to $60 million from taxes and fees, which Lewis says would be used for regulation and enforcement.
"The key point is this would not provide funding for transportation or education," he said.
The proposed ballot question would allow people to grow up to six plants at home, but Sen. Lewis and his committee want to prohibit home growing, at least in the beginning.
"One plant can produce a pound of marijuana, which can sell for as much as $5,000. So there is a significant risk that marijuana could be grown and home and diverted to the black market and it would be almost impossible for law enforcing to monitor that and enforce that," Lewis said.
The entire report will be released Tuesday but, senator have concerns and are recommending some big changes to what will likely be on the ballot in November.
"Our charge is to look at all of the policy issues that would come along with legalization and to really put health and public safety of the residents of Massachusetts first and that's what we tried to do," Lewis said.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh and Attorney General Maura Healey spoke out against legalizing marijuana in an op-ed piece in the Boston Globe Monday.
Lawmakers are not likely to take up a proposed bill until waiting to see if voters say yes in November.
FOX25 will be at the news conference Tuesday and will have more on the senators' report.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Massachusetts Marijuana Report Set For Release Tuesday Establishes Some Restrictions
Author: Vanessa Welch
Contact: FOX25
Photo Credit: None found
Website: FOX25
A group of senators has been researching the issue for a year and on Monday, FOX25's Vanessa Welch got an early look at a report along with two of their concerns if voters say yes.
FOX25 was with Massachusetts state senators as they tracked recreational marijuana from seed to sale in Colorado where it has been legal since 2012
Lessons from the trip, combined with a years-worth of research by the special senate committee come together in a 90 page report to shape public policy if voters approve legalization.
FOX25 got an exclusive look at the report today and learned the committee is recommending a ban on certain edible forms of marijuana that appeal to children
"Something like gummy bear or something that could be mistaken by a child those would not have a place in Massachusetts," Sen. Jason Lewis said.
The proposed ballot question includes a 12 percent tax rate, but senators recommend a rate that could be as much as three times that.
"We are concerned what the ballot question proposes would not be significant to even cover the costs of regulating the industry and law enforcement and public health campaigns and so on," Lewis said,
The report estimates Massachusetts would collect $50 to $60 million from taxes and fees, which Lewis says would be used for regulation and enforcement.
"The key point is this would not provide funding for transportation or education," he said.
The proposed ballot question would allow people to grow up to six plants at home, but Sen. Lewis and his committee want to prohibit home growing, at least in the beginning.
"One plant can produce a pound of marijuana, which can sell for as much as $5,000. So there is a significant risk that marijuana could be grown and home and diverted to the black market and it would be almost impossible for law enforcing to monitor that and enforce that," Lewis said.
The entire report will be released Tuesday but, senator have concerns and are recommending some big changes to what will likely be on the ballot in November.
"Our charge is to look at all of the policy issues that would come along with legalization and to really put health and public safety of the residents of Massachusetts first and that's what we tried to do," Lewis said.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh and Attorney General Maura Healey spoke out against legalizing marijuana in an op-ed piece in the Boston Globe Monday.
Lawmakers are not likely to take up a proposed bill until waiting to see if voters say yes in November.
FOX25 will be at the news conference Tuesday and will have more on the senators' report.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Massachusetts Marijuana Report Set For Release Tuesday Establishes Some Restrictions
Author: Vanessa Welch
Contact: FOX25
Photo Credit: None found
Website: FOX25
