Massachusetts voters have voted “yes” on Question 4. This question concerns the legalization of marijuana. Now, people over the age of 21 can possess and/or grow marijuana legally. An individual over the age of 21 can possess up to 10 ounces inside their residence, one ounce outside their residence, and can grow six plants in their residence. The law passed with 53 percent of voters voting “YES.” So, what happens now?
The law will also create a regulatory structure called the Cannabis Control Commission. The group will oversee marijuana legalization and issue licenses to firms who want to sell marijuana products. Retail marijuana will be subject to the state sales tax with an additional 3.75 percent excise tax. The sell can also add another 2 percent tax. The excise tax, license application fees, and fines for minor violations of this law will be placed in a Marijuana Regulation Fund, which will help pay for administrative costs of the new law. The law will help stimulate the state’s economy and will also create jobs in the Massachusetts.
Starting Dec. 15, the law will go into effect. Even though it goes into effect so soon, you will not be seeing any shops until Jan. 2018, when licenses will be approved for dispensaries.