Massachusetts collects more than $7 million from marijuana in 2016

BOSTON — Medical marijuana facilities filled with pot plants are now filling state coffers with green to the tune of more than $7 million.

The amount of money comes as a surprise to many, including Jon Napoli, a consultant for licensed dispensary Good Health in Brockton.

“It’s slightly surprising. They are doing quite well it seems. I don’t think anyone should complain about the revenue,” he said. “Hopefully people start realizing this is going to be a great thing for our economy here locally in Massachusetts.”

As of Jan. 31, 2017 nearly 40,000 patients had been certified for a medical marijuana card and paid a fee of $50, which needs to be renewed each year.

Fees for patients, doctors and medical facilities added up to more than $7 million in the 2016 fiscal year, and that number could nearly double to $13 million in fiscal year 2017.

“We see 200 patients a day we are open seven days a week we just started delivery and it’s been very well received,” Napoli said.

Cox Media Group