Lawmakers fail to reach deal on finalized recreational marijuana law

BOSTON — Talks to finalize the state’s recreational marijuana bill have stalled on Beacon Hill.

Lawmakers have been working behind closed doors for days to try and reach a compromise on revisions to what voters passed in November.

They wanted to be able to send those revisions to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk by Friday night so the state would have enough time to act on the revisions when setting up the structures to oversee recreational marijuana shops.

As it stands, voters passed a maximum combined sales tax of 12 percent and gave the power to regulate to the state treasurer and a three-person cannabis control commission.

All of which has been up for debate in the House and Senate the past few months.

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A spokesperson for Yes On 4, which pushed for the ballot question and maintains it does not need to be changed, said in a statement, in part:

“At this point, only through extraordinary parliamentary procedures will they be able to meet their June 30 deadline,” Jim Borghesani said. “If they cannot do so, we call on the governor to uphold voters’ will by immediately releasing funds necessary for the treasurer to begin forming the governing body of this important new industry.”

The state has already delayed the opening of marijuana retail stores by six months and Boston 25 News will keep a close eye on whether the potential lack of a deal Friday will have any further impact.

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Cox Media Group