Two MA lawmakers to rewrite rec marijuana law

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A pair of Massachusetts lawmakers have been appointed to apparently rewrite the recreational marijuana legalization law approved by voters last November.

The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act is an initiated state statute, instead of an amendment to Massachusetts’ constitution. That means legislators still have the legal ability to make changes to the law, despite what was approved by voters.

According to TV station WWLP, pro-cannabis state Sen. Patricia Jehlen and state Rep. Mark Cusack, both Democrats, have been appointed to rewrite the act because “state lawmakers want to make significant changes … before retail shops open in 2018.”

Political leaders “have several concerns,” including issues that range from public safety to how rec cannabis will be taxed, the news station reported. There also may be adjustments to how many cannabis plants are allowed in home grows.

Though WWLP had no other specifics on how the act may be changed, Gov. Charlie Baker wants a new version of the law ready by June, the outlet reported.

In December, Massachusetts legislators delayed the opening of  adult-use stores by six months, until June 2018, to give the state more time to work through the logistics of setting up the industry.