LEICESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - The start of recreational marijuana sales in Massachusetts is expected to put pressure on police when retail shops in Northampton and Leicester open to the public on Tuesday but law enforcement officials say they are ready for the much-anticipated day.
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Leicester Police Chief James Hurley’s department has put together a special operations plan in conjunction with Cultivate Holdings to make sure the opening day of sales goes smoothly.
“It (plan) will address security, parking, traffic and essentially any scenario that should come up,” he told 7News. “We’re ready and looking forward to Tuesday.”
While police have utilized breathalyzers to detect drunken drivers for some time, cracking down on motorists operating under the influence of marijuana may prove difficult, according to Hurley.
“We’re still lagging behind on the law enforcement side. There isn’t say a breathalyzer test that we can give,” he said. “We’re going to be looking out for the erratic operators. If they’re located, we’ll give them a roadside assessment.”
Hurley is expecting a large turnout in his town and made it clear that there will be no problems if customers simply make their purchases and drive home.
New England Treatment Access in Northampton will also sell recreational pot.
State residents under the age of 21 will not be allowed to purchase marijuana. Customers will also be required to provide a valid license before entering both shops.
Out-of-state residents are permitted to purchase marijuana under Massachusetts law.
“If you can legally purchase it, you can transport it,” he said. “Once you get to the state line, I can’ t comment on what the laws are in any of our bordering states.”
Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana for adults in November 2016.
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