Marijuana consumers in Massachusetts will not have to hold their breath much longer to toke legally. Exhale, citizens of the Commonwealth. By next Thursday, you will be able to enjoy the herb without fear of arrest.
Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin said on Friday that votes from the November election will be certified in time for the new law to take effect on December 15, the start date stipulated in the ballot question voters approved overwhelmingly.
Question 4, which won by more than 1.7 million votes, allows adults 21 years and older to possess, use, and purchase marijuana beginning on Thursday. Citizens can possess up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence and grow up to 12 plants per household. Marijuana accessories —bongs, pipes, vaporizers, etc. — will also be legal on Thursday.
“We’re very happy that he certification was done in time to honor the will of the voters,” says Jim Borghesani, the former spokesman for the Yes on 4 campaign.
Earlier this week, state officials indicated that they may slow down the process, pushing back the schedule despite the bill’s clear language.
“We’ve had discussions about delaying some of the days to give us some time to fine-tune the bill, and in the next few weeks we may have to make a final decision on that,” Senate President Stan Rosenberg said on Monday.
A word of warning: It will still be against the law to smoke cannabis in public. If you want to celebrate the occasion,partake in the comfort of your home.
Here is the full text of the law.
Highway is an essential source for cannabis science, how-to stories and demystifying marijuana. Want to read more? Thy these posts: One Man’s Journey In Pursuit Of The Truth Behind Marijuana Prohibition, Marijuana Myth Busting: Does Holding In Smoke Get You Higher? and A Drag Queen’s Visit To The Cannabis Store.
