Sharply Divided Panel Advances Recreational Pot Bill

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A sharply divided legislative committee has voted to advance a bill that makes major changes to the voter-approved recreational marijuana bill, including higher taxes and more control for local officials over pot shops in their communities. None of the seven senators on the Legislature’s Marijuana Policy Committee voted in favor of the bill on Wednesday, and some House members also expressed reservations. Democratic Sen. Patricia Jehlen, the panel’s co-chair, said the bill drafted by the House “assaults the will of the voters.” The proposal would more than double the current 12 percent tax on recreational marijuana, making a total tax of 28 percent. It was revealed on Thursday that due to a possible drafting error, the compounded tax rate could go as high as 55 percent, higher than any other U.S. state where recreational marijuana is legal Read An Outline Of The New Bill The legislation was met with controversy from the beginning, as many towns and cities did not want cannabis or pot shops in their communities. The revised bill would give them the option to vote against pot shops through council meetings. The current law requires a referendum to block such shops. The overhaul isn’t sitting well with those who voted for recreational marijuana in last November’s referendum with very specific guidelines in mind. Jim Borghesani of the group Yes on 4, which worked to get the law passed by voters, said raising the tax is u...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Heard On WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Local Syndicated Local Watch Listen Ben Parker Marijuana Nicole Jacobs Recreational Marijuana Source Type: news