BOSTON (AP) —The Massachusetts House approved a bill Wednesday that would repeal and replace the recreational marijuana law approved by the state's voters in November.
The House approved the measure 126-28. Critics who lashed out at the proposal accused lawmakers of ignoring the will of the electorate and taking a hostile approach to the legal cannabis industry.
The legislation would raise the tax on retail marijuana sales from 12 percent to 28 percent.
STATE BY STATE: Massachusetts Cannabis News
“This bill reflects a commitment to legalizing adult-use marijuana while upholding our duty to ensure safety and effective management. The House placed a premium on health and safety," House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement. "In addition to the rigorous product testing and security measures, I believe that the independence of the Cannabis Control Commission will allow this new industry to be implemented in a safe and efficient manner.”
