2016 Nov 8 :: State of Massachusetts :: Question 4 :: Initiative PetitionDo you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 3, 2016? See summary »

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Choices
 
Yes
 
 
No
 
 
Summary

The proposed law would permit the possession, use, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts by persons age 21 and older and would remove criminal penalties for such activities. It would provide for the regulation of commerce in marijuana, marijuana accessories, and marijuana products and for the taxation of proceeds from sales of these items. The proposed law would authorize persons at least 21 years old to possess up to one ounce of marijuana outside of their residences; possess up to ten ounces of marijuana inside their residences; grow up to six marijuana plants in their residences; give one ounce or less of marijuana to a person at least 21 years old without payment; possess, produce or transfer hemp; or make or transfer items related to marijuana use, storage, cultivation, or processing. The measure would create a Cannabis Control Commission of three members appointed by the state Treasurer which would generally administer the law governing marijuana use and distribution, promulgate regulations, and be responsible for the licensing of marijuana commercial establishments. The proposed law would also create a Cannabis Advisory Board of fifteen members appointed by the Governor. The Cannabis Control Commission would adopt regulations governing licensing qualifications; security; record keeping; health and safety standards; packaging and labeling; testing; advertising and displays; required inspections; and such other matters as the Commission considers appropriate. The records of the Commission would be public records. The proposed law would authorize cities and towns to adopt reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of operating marijuana businesses and to limit the number of marijuana establishments in their communities. A city or town could hold a local vote to determine whether to permit the selling of marijuana and marijuana products for consumption on the premises at commercial establishments. The proceeds of retail sales of marijuana and marijuana products would be subject to the state sales tax and an additional excise tax of 3.75%. A city or town could impose a separate tax of up to 2%. Revenue received from the additional state excise tax or from license application fees and civil penalties for violations of this law would be deposited in a Marijuana Regulation Fund and would be used subject to appropriation for administration of the proposed law. Marijuana-related activities authorized under this proposed law could not be a basis for adverse orders in child welfare cases absent clear and convincing evidence that such activities had created an unreasonable danger to the safety of a minor child. The proposed law would not affect existing law regarding medical marijuana treatment centers or the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence. It would permit property owners to prohibit the use, sale, or production of marijuana on their premises (with an exception that landlords cannot prohibit consumption by tenants of marijuana by means other than by smoking); and would permit employers to prohibit the consumption of marijuana by employees in the workplace. State and local governments could continue to restrict uses in public buildings or at or near schools. Supplying marijuana to persons under age 21 would be unlawful. The proposed law would take effect on December 15, 2016.

2016 Nov 8 :: State of Massachusetts :: Question 4 :: Initiative PetitionDo you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House of Representatives on or before May 3, 2016? See summary »

Ballot Question Results

View results as: # | %  
Ward
Yes
No
Blank Votes Total Votes Cast Total Ballots Cast
Totals
 
30,099
9,684
1,091
39,783
40,874
Precinct 1
 
854
402
77
1,256
1,333
Precinct 2
 
1,145
529
76
1,674
1,750
Precinct 3
 
844
430
53
1,274
1,327
Precinct 1
 
1,398
435
49
1,833
1,882
Precinct 2
 
1,754
435
41
2,189
2,230
Precinct 3
 
1,727
370
54
2,097
2,151
Precinct 1
 
1,410
422
51
1,832
1,883
Precinct 2
 
1,457
497
45
1,954
1,999
Precinct 3
 
1,762
440
53
2,202
2,255
Precinct 1
 
752
545
72
1,297
1,369
Precinct 2
 
1,073
436
51
1,509
1,560
Precinct 3
 
1,279
472
51
1,751
1,802
Precinct 1
 
1,484
525
60
2,009
2,069
Precinct 2
 
1,793
516
44
2,309
2,353
Precinct 3
 
1,854
462
42
2,316
2,358
Precinct 1
 
2,018
464
45
2,482
2,527
Precinct 2
 
1,871
470
32
2,341
2,373
Precinct 3
 
1,154
317
25
1,471
1,496
Precinct 1
 
1,788
514
33
2,302
2,335
Precinct 2
 
1,266
491
74
1,757
1,831
Precinct 3
 
1,416
512
63
1,928
1,991
Totals
 
30,099
9,684
1,091
39,783
40,874