7News obtains advance copy of bill proposing sweeping changes to marijuana laws

BOSTON (WHDH) - 7News has obtained an advance copy of a House bill that would make significant changes to a law approved by residents of Massachusetts during the 2016 election.

According to 7’s Sharman Sacchetti, an overhaul of the original bill was set forth in a 48-page document.

The bill would more than double the tax on recreational marijuana and would set up a 5-person panel, appointed by the governor and attorney general and other members, similar to the state’s casino law, to oversee the process, rather than the treasury department.

The bill would also give city officials the power to ban marijuana shops, rather than local voters.

The bill would also place limits on some forms of marijuana edibles.

You can read the full report here.

Governor Charlie Baker’s office has released a statement following the report.

In a statement, proponents of legal marijuana — Yes on 4 — decried the changes to the law.

The House proposal in no way improves the measure passed by voters.  It weakens it and it insults voters in the process. Its irrational tax increase will give drug dealers the ability to undercut the legal market, and its removal of ban authority from local voters will give a handful of selectmen the ability to overrule the opinion of their own constituents.  Equally troubling is a weakened governing structure that will be more cumbersome, more costly and less accountable.  We hope the Senate puts forward a proposal which, unlike the House attempt, will keep the new system effective, accountable and respectful of the voters’ will.

This is a developing story; stay with 7News for continued updates as they become available.

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