HB 639 (2023)
Legalize marijuana possession and sales with Liquor Commission, 12.5% excise tax
Legalizes marijuana for adults over age twenty-one. The bill allows limited home-growing of marijuana. A new Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing and regulations related to the manufacture, testing, and sale of legal marijuana. Cannabis sales would be taxed under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers, which currently serve the state's medical marijuana patients, would be allowed to apply for a "dual use certificate" that allows them to participate in recreational marijuana business. Towns could limit marijuana businesses. Smoking in vehicles would be illegal.
The House voted to pass an amended version of the bill that eliminates the option of home-growing. The amended bill places oversight under the Liquor Commission rather than a new Cannabis Commission. The amended bill taxes cultivation at 15% rather than taxing sales under the Meals and Rooms tax system. Alternative Treatment Centers would be allowed to deliver to new retail locations. Towns could limit marijuana businesses. Smoking in vehicles would be illegal.
A further House amendment replaced the 15% cultivation tax with a 12.5% excise tax at the wholesale level.
