BREAKING NEWS: Massachusetts Lawmakers To Debate Marijuana Legalization Measure Tomor

[gramma watt]

http://networkedblogs.com/p14449065

I realize many of you are vehemently against taxation, but with the state of the economy...it is becoming a viable option for boosting revenue. I personally am all for it. Living in an area where Cannabis is extremely hard to get, and living in fear of prosecution for a small amount of medicine is terrible.

 

[JackTheGrower]

Many of us are for benefiting our States.

 

[the_man]

this is great news I had a good feeling Massachusetts might beat out Cali

if anybody know of a live feed please post it

 

[nepalnt21]

but it doesnt say anything about personal cultivation... i wonder if they will include that, it would be a shame to leave that out.

*edit*

'Adults who possess or grow marijuana for personal use, or who engage in the non-profit transfer of cannabis, would not be subject to taxation under the law.'

i like it

 

[litebuzz]

yeah mass cracks me up...they didn't even bother with being a medical marijuana state first...they went right to decriminalization...lol...i love it!!! they don't fuk around.

 

[PharmaCan]

Members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Revenue....

Ya gotta love it - where else would they hear this but the joint committee!

PC

 

[Grizvok]

Go Massachusetts!

The east coast really needs something like this to happen. My state (PA) is making some headway with our HB 1393 for medicinal cannabis, but the full out legalization by a state in such a close proximity will really help our cause I think.

The tides are turning.

 

[MMAJAY]

The first state that passes this will clean up on tax revenue. I sure hope the people vote for this. If 1 state passes this i am hopeing for a domino effect.

 

[toohighmf]

your lips to god's ears

 

[habeeb]

taxachusetts has such a stick up there ass..

 

[Guest 18340]

Wicked good news

 

[Blimey]

If it's full legalization, rather than just decrim. or medical...and weed is treated just like alcohol....

What distribution model will they follow? Dispensaries? Coffeeshops? Gas Stations? Marijuana King Fast Weed Outlets? Liquor stores?

While it's still illegal Federally, I'm guessing big business might not want to get involved, as you know the DEA are going to hit the first few pioneers.

Will Obama rein in the DEA? Or will Massachusetts be allowed to be a freaky state like Nevada with gambling and prostitution. In which case, weed tourism will be huge. Will Boston become the pot equivalent of Las Vegas or Atlantic City?

Deciding to full legalize is just the tip of the iceberg. Once it passes, everything changes.

 

[Grizvok]

taxachusetts has such a stick up there ass..

True, but allowing non-taxed personal growing of cannabis and "Gratuitous distribution of cannabis to an adult" is really great news.

My only gripe is that the proposed taxes are way too high and will cause the majority of people to keep their buying and business underground to avoid the incredibly high rate of taxation included in this bill. I'm just making an assumption here, but that may likely cause the government to not see as much revenue as they initially hoped and begin questioning the passing of the bill (hopefully they will simply realize the tax is ridiculous and begin cutting it back to find a middle ground that works for the government and the people) exactly the way it should.

 

[Hash Zeppelin]

taxachusetts has such a stick up there ass..

And if this passes it will be removed, just watch out for the built up back pressure. move your face out of the way.

BTW does anyone know how it went.

 

[Grizvok]

And if this passes it will be removed, just watch out for the built up back pressure. move your face out of the way.

BTW does anyone know how it went.

? Doesn't it take place tomorrow the 14th of October.

"REMINDER — On Wednesday, October 14, Massachusetts state lawmakers will hear testimony in support of taxing and regulating the commercial production and distribution of marijuana for adults age 21 and older."

 

[PharmaCan]

How much is the proposed tax?

PC

 

[Grizvok]

How much is the proposed tax?

PC

It's quite bad.

"Section 9. The authority shall impose and collect an excise upon sales at retail of cannabis. The rate of said excise is hereby established as follows:
Class C One hundred fifty dollar per ounce
Class B Two hundred dollars per ounce.
Class A Two hundred fifty dollars per ounce. "




"g. All cannabis sold by processors shall be analyzed and graded as follows:
(1) If said cannabis contains more than 1% THC and less than 5% THC, then said cannabis shall be labeled “C”.
(2) If the cannabis contains 5% or more than 5% and less than 10% THC, then said cannabis shall be labeled “B”.
(3) If the cannabis contains 10% THC or more, then said cannabis shall be labeled “A”.





AKA, pretty much all decent weed will be in the Class A category which will be grounds for a $250 tax PER OUNCE. Fucking ridiculous, huh?

 

[SpacedCWBY]

Great news! Like was mentioned above though, I have to wonder how the feds will react if they pass a bill. What they should do is observe and break down the numbers - all of them. Look at all aspects, if they like them or not and make an objective decision based on facts rather than what their campaign contributions dictate.

 

[Grizvok]

Great news! Like was mentioned above though, I have to wonder how the feds will react if they pass a bill. What they should do is observe and break down the numbers - all of them. Look at all aspects, if they like them or not and make an objective decision based on facts rather than what their campaign contributions dictate.

The federal reaction if this becomes a reality is going to be INCREDIBLY interesting. I was originally convinced they'd go after Massachusetts tooth and nail, but now I'm not so sure.

Another number I'd love to see reported is the amount of tax revenue the state of Massachusetts sees during the next few years not DIRECTLY related to the taxation of cannabis. It's feasible to speculate that with many entrepreneurs and growers striking it rich, they could see a healthy spurt in tax revenue associated with goods purchased by these people (cars, homes, etc etc). One thing is for sure, it won't be bad for the economy by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[demasoni]

250/Ounce

of course they fuck up the amounts for taxation, other than that how REFRESHING.


but seriously 250? like everyone won't evade that.