Lawmakers consider legalizing marijuana

BOSTON (WWLP) - One group is opposing a bill in the Commonwealth that could regulate and tax cannabis.

Wednesday the Main South Alliance for Public Safety testified at the Commonwealth State House.

The group is speaking out against legalizing marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposed house bill, "An act to regulate and tax Cannibis," is getting resistance from opponents who say marijuana is potentially harmful.

Some local residents disagree.

"It's not legal and I know people still do it," opined Valentina Novik of Agawam, "but at the same time putting taxes on it if it gets legal putting taxes on it is a good idea."

"Since every body is growing it anyway all the people who want to use it use it might as well tax it," remarked Bill Mackinnon of Southwick.

The chair of Main South Alliance argues that legalizing marijuana would also increase motor vehicle accidents and could lead to stronger drug use.