There are deadlines and other provisions within the law. But the Massachusetts Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker, one of the top opponents of the measure, hold the power to rewrite the law. So with the governors help, Massachusetts passed marijuana legalization, but what happens next?
Many of the state’s elected officials and policymakers have largely been opposed to legalization and repeatedly called the ballot question flawed. They’ve sent signals that they plan to make changes to the ballot question, calling the proposed tax too low.
Under the law approved Tuesday, marijuana products and retail sales would be subject to the state sales tax and a 3.75 percent excise tax, and cities and towns can add a 2 percent tax, bringing the total to 12 percent.
Lawmakers could also seek to pare back the “home growing” provision – how much people are allowed to possess inside their residence — as well.
The hemp industry benefits from marijuana legalization in Massachusetts, as well. The ballot measure has a small section that also regulates the cultivation, processing, distribution and sale of hemp, which is part of the marijuana family.
Source: Massachusetts just passed marijuana legalization. What happens next?
