© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Pot Passes In MA, Voters Say No To Charter School Expansion

Picture of a marijuana plant
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Voters have approved a ballot measure making Massachusetts the first state in the eastern U.S. to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Tuesday's approval marks a major national victory for proponents of legalized marijuana. Currently, using the drug recreationally is legal only in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

The statewide referendum passed despite opposition from top elected officials including Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Many business and religious leaders also had come out strongly against legalization.

Voters on Tuesday also were deciding whether to allow recreational cannabis use in nearby Maine as well as in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have expanded the number of charter schools in Massachusetts by up to a dozen a year.

Proponents had expressed disappointment earlier Tuesday evening.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker had campaigned for the referendum. Baker says in a statement that he's proud of those who fought to create more charter schools in the state "to provide more education choices for students stuck in struggling districts."

Opponents had argued that the measure would have drained resources away from traditional public schools.