With the first medical marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts opening Wednesday, Senate President Stan Rosenberg says its likely voters will legalize recreational marijuana.Speaking in Pittsfield Wednesday, Rosenberg says although legislation has been filed year after year Massachusetts lawmakers are reluctant to take up legalizing marijuana. Because of that Rosenberg says he’s worried an upcoming ballot question will not consider opponents’ opinions.
“If they were at the table we might end up with a product because they’ll raise legitimate questions, it’ll force the conversation to head in the direction of coming up with better solutions and so you’d end up with a better law,” said Rosenberg.
The Amherst Democrat says if the ballot initiative does pass, the question will be whether the legislature drafts a strong law with appropriate regulation and taxation. Over the past seven years, Massachusetts voters legalized medical marijuana and decriminalized possession of a small amount.