The delay of retail marijuana locations opening in Massachusetts has cost the state money.
Retail marijuana locations are closer to opening in Massachusetts, but the state could be missing out on more than $150 million in revenue because of this delay.
Right now the state is three months past the expected opening date of retail pot shops as Governor Baker originally set July 1 as the start date for recreational marijuana sales.
Massachusetts was counting on marijuana fees and sales tax revenues to balance the fiscal 2019 budget.
Will Luzier, who managed the 2016 “Yes on 4” ballot campaign said the state has lost roughly $176,000 a day since July.
This set back has also frustrated the marijuana industry because they believe the Cannabis Control Commission should have prepared for this deadline.
But the first recreational pot shop in the state could open in Hampshire County.
The Cannabis Control Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on a final license from New England Treatment Access, or NETA, in Northampton.
The company already operates a medical marijuana dispensary in the city.
If NETA is awarded the final license, the store could be the first recreational pot shop to open in Massachusetts.
But it would not happen immediately because some steps would need to be taken before they can begin selling to the public.
