The state of the medical, and commercial, marijuana industry in Massachusetts is far from certain. While some parties are already getting their ducks in a row, like the prospective growth facility in Winchendon that’s eyeing Boston for a dispensary location, others are deterring some from overstepping, like the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers that’s advised its federally-funded facilities to cease issuing medicinal weed to patients.
But the Massachusetts Legislature could throw us all a Clay Buchholz curveball.
Sitting somewhere amongst the vast stacks of bills and laws on Beacon Hill is Bill H.1632 which could put a swift end to all of the confusion. Sponsored by State Senator Ellen Story (D-Amherst) the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act would keep Massachusetts in a national position it’s grown accustomed to — on the front lines of progressive America.
We reached out to Senator Story for a comment but have yet to receive a response.
Only two states, Washington and Colorado, have broken down the barrier of Americans against marijuana, becoming the first to officially legalize cannabis despite the federal government refusing to make the same advancements.
Still, Attorney General of the U.S. Eric Holder has pledged to focus the sights of anti-drug task forces on ways to keep it away from children, from those operating a vehicle or heavy machinery, and from being traded underground.
Story’s bill, besides laying groundwork for how the marijuana industry can bloom in Massachusetts, first recognizes the fault of the Bay State on trying to hinder the production and capitalization of weed reading that “100 years of criminalization in the Commonwealth has failed to stop the production, distribution and use of marijuana, and that sustained enforcement efforts cannot reasonably be expected to accomplish that goal.”
The bill then goes on to sketch the blueprints for a 7-member committee, tentatively labeled the Cannabis Control Authority, who will then elect a chairperson and secretary to exercise the authoritative powers in order to keep regulations fair and standard. Perhaps most importantly, they will issue “cultivation licenses, processing licenses, trade licenses, retail licenses, import licenses, research licenses and farmer-processor-retailer licenses” for growth and distribution that costs as much as $500 per license.
A retail license, though, could lighten one’s piggy bank by as much as $2,000.
As if fees alone won’t be enough to generate revenue for the Authority and Massachusetts as a whole, the bill suggests a method of taxation. If passed, pot could cost about $10 per every 1% of THC — the principle substance that causes the high. THC amount would be determined by “dry weight” without seeds. So a bag of weed boasting 5% THC could cost at least $50.
Further provisions are listed for those looking to sell retail reefer or import/export it, as well as suggest penalties for those who buy illegally or sell without a license.
If passed, the measure will provide an initial $2.5 million in taxpayer funds for the Authority to be used at its discretion and paid back in full within 5 years. Currently, the bill has been Referred to the committee on The Judiciary and carries only one co-sponsor in State Rep. Lori A. Ehrlich (D- Essex).
