Marijuana Legalized in Massachusetts; Question 4 Passes

Marijuana will soon be fully legal in Massachusetts, subjecting it to taxes and rules similar to those that currently apply to alcohol, after Ballot Question 4 passed Tuesday night, according to preliminary election results.

The ballot battle was called shortly before midnight, with 66 percent of state results recorded. The "Yes on 4" pro-legalization campaign stood at 53.3 percent of the vote, while the opposition had 46.7 percent.

The measure saw staunch opposition from state lawmakers, including Gov. Charlie Baker, as well as law enforcement officials, concerned about whether the state was ready to enforce the proposed legalization. Their voices appear to have been drowned out by the voters, according to preliminary results.

A similar initiative is on the ballot in four other states. Proponents hope to ride the wave of presidential turnout to victory.

Mass. Marijuana Legalization: What We Know So Far

Gov. Baker released a statement on Question 4's passage around midnight:

“Lt. Governor Polito and I are proud to have worked with an unprecedented bipartisan coalition that has voiced concerns with this proposal, and our administration will work closely with lawmakers, educators, and public safety and public health professionals to ensure this transition protects the interests of our communities and families."

The race here was a nail-biter, with both sides running neck-and-neck for much of the night. Eventually, "Yes on 4" forces pulled away.

On Boylston Street, the party is no doubt underway:

In Massachusetts, a “Yes on 4” does the following...

• Create a Cannabis Control Commission to regulate marijuana legalization, issue licenses to retailers and other firms selling marijuana products;
• Legalize the possession of less than 10 oz. of marijuana inside homes or less than 1 oz. in public;
• Make it legal to grow up to six marijuana plants in the home;
• Stipulate that marijuana retailers would be subject to the state sales tax, with an additional 3.75 percent excise tax (local municipalities can choose to add another 2 percent tax);
• Direct revenue from excise taxes, license application fees and fines for minor violations of this law into a Marijuana Regulation Fund that would cover the administrative costs of the new law; and
• It would take effect Dec. 15, 2016.

Read More:

Here's How Much Massachusetts' Ballot Questions Cost

MA Question 4: In Marijuana Push, Massachusetts Is Far From Alone

Massachusetts' Statewide Ballot Questions for November 2016

Marijuana Legalization Results In CA, MA, AZ, NV and ME

Patch will update this story.

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