Massachusetts Voters approve Recreational Marijuana

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on November 11, 2016.

Voters in Massachusetts gave a huge thumbs up to legalization of recreational marijuana in the state, paving the way for big drug reforms. Massachusetts becomes one of the four states that voted to join the elite club or recreational marijuana states in America this November. Other states are California, Nevada and Maine.

Although the ballot measure was approved, several steps need to be taken before retail marijuana stores open in Massachusetts. Under Question 4, the Governor has time till February 1, 2007 to appoint members of his Cannabis Advisory Board. The State Treasurer can appoint members of the Cannabis Control Commission by March 1, 2017.

The Commission would have to create and publish regulations for the Cannabis industry by September 15, 2017. Licenses for retail marijuana businesses would be issued only after January 1, 2018 - more than a year after pot becomes legal to possess and grow.

Retail sales of marijuana and related products will be subject to the state sales tax. An additional excise tax of 3.75% will be levied too. A city or town could impose a separate tax of up to 2 percent, depending on their requirements and guidelines.

As part of the regulation, owners of apartments would be allowed to ban smoking, growing, or selling marijuana at their places if they wish so. Also, employers won't be bound to accept use of recreational marijuana at their work places.

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