BOSTON — After months of delays, the Commonwealth finally has a law governing the sale and consumption of recreational marijuana.
The referendum passed by voters in 2016 allowed for use of marijuana for recreational purposes, but a committee of Massachusetts lawmakers still had to piece together the rules for retailing the drug.
The law, which was a compromise agreed upon by the house and the senate, was signed by Governor Charlie Baker Friday.
But what did lawmakers decide to do with the licensing of the drug?
“We appreciate the careful consideration the legislature took to balance input from lawmakers, educators, public safety officials and public health professionals, while honoring the will of the voters regarding the adult use of marijuana,” said Governor Baker. “We look forward to appointing members of the Cannabis Control Commission and the Cannabis Advisory Board…to implement the enhanced law safely and responsibly throughout the Commonwealth.”
Taxes on marijuana will add up to a total of 17 percent, with the additional option of a 3 percent local option tax.
So, in some towns, you may be paying a 20 percent tax on marijuana.
MORE: See which towns predominantly voted against recreational marijuana
The new law will allow cities and towns in the Commonwealth to ban or limit the development of marijuana retail stores.
The Cannabis Control Commission will regulate marijuana and its five members will be appointed by the governor, the treasurer and the attorney general. There will additionally be a Cannabis Advisory Board appointed by the same group.
The Cannabis Control Commission will set “potency limits” for edible marijuana and will establish packaging requirements.