It’s still illegal to sell recreational marijuana in Massachusetts.
So what’s going on?
The Cannabis Control Commission said they need to approve an independent testing lab before pot shops can begin selling recreational marijuana.
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation says the slow rollout of recreational marijuana sales in the state is causing doubt on projected state revenue.
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation said that the 17% state sale tax on marijuana sales was expected to create $63 million in revenue. That estimate, however, was made earlier this year when it was expected that pot shops would open July 1.
License applications
As of July 12, 2018, a total of 20 license applications have been submitted by places in western Massachusetts:
- Hampden County: 3
- Hampshire County: 5
- Franklin County: 6
- Berkshire County: 6
INSA, a medical marijuana dispensary in Easthampton, applied for its recreational license two months ago. They offer 16 different strains of pot in its medical marijuana dispensaries.
Once recreational sales begin, INSA said their customer base is expected to triple.
