Pubdate: Thu, 08 Mar 2012
Source: Newton Tab (MA)
Copyright: 2012 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3619
Author: Chloe Gotsis, GateHouse News Service

BALSER SIGNS ON TO LEGALIZE POT

Newton - State Rep. Ruth Balser, a Newton Democrat, is one of four 
women legislators co-sponsoring a bill to legalize marijuana in 
Massachusetts. The bill, The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act, was 
originally proposed more than a year ago and was heard Tuesday before 
the Judiciary Committee. The act, which Balser said is pending federal 
legislation, would repeal the ban on selling marijuana and create 
industry licensing, regulation and taxation standards.

"The point of it would be to regulate the industry similar to what we 
do with alcohol, but we would be able to tax it," Balser said, adding 
that the current prohibition on marijuana hasn't been effective.

Balser said officials have estimated that passing the bill would 
generate an estimated $18.5 million in tax revenue.

The bill maintains current penalties for driving under the influence 
of marijuana and, like alcohol laws, it would prohibit minors for using it.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.