Massachusetts: Major revision of the recreational cannabis bill

Last Wednesday, the Massachusetts state legislature passed a bill amending the law on the recreational cannabis, which was approved by the state's voters in November. The bill, which passed by a vote of 126 to 28, raises the sales tax on cannabis from 12% to 28%.

The Senate was poised to pass its own version of the bill, which called for more moderate revisions to the current recreational cannabis law and paved the way for negotiations, before lawmakers sent the final version to Republican Governor Charlie Baker on July 1. This bill would leave many elements of the existing law intact, such as those allowing adults in Massachusetts to possess 28g of cannabis and grow up to 12 plants per household.

The state’s residents have not held back their criticism of this latest revision to the law. They have accused lawmakers of ignoring the will of Massachusetts voters and of viewing the legal cannabis industry with hostility.

Other requirements have been adopted, including strict controls, such as fingerprinting for all individuals who own or work at legal cannabis businesses.

The bill would thus create two new regulatory bodies: a Cannabis Control Commission with a five-member board, which will regulate recreational cannabis. Another Control Commission for medical cannabis will also be established. The bill also sets standards for the packaging, testing, and labeling of cannabis products to ensure their safety. These standards will also apply to edibles.

Ultimately, tax revenue from the cannabis industry is expected to rise from 30 to 50 million dollars. This money will be allocated to substance abuse treatment programs. Supporters of this higher tax argue that this revenue is necessary to enforce the law and fund cannabis regulation. And to benefit a little more from legalization?

Mehdi Bautier