A Bill For Legalizing Marijuana In Massachusetts

By Zachary Babin - March 7, 2016

BOSTON (AP) — Supporters and foes of legalizing marijuana in Massachusetts are gathering to discuss a proposal that would allow residents 21 or older to legally possess up to 1 ounce of the drug.

A legislative panel weighed the proposal on Monday.

It would also create a 3.75 percent state excise tax on retail marijuana sales that would be assessed on top of the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax.

Supporters have collected enough signatures to move the proposal to the November ballot if lawmakers opt against debating and voting on it.

Also Monday, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, along with Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey and Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, wrote a letter in The Boston Globe arguing that young people are more likely to use marijuana when it is legal.