Voters In Massachusetts, Nevada, And California Say 'Yes' To Recreational Marijuana
BOSTON (AP/CBSNewYork) -- Voters in Massachusetts, Nevada, and California have approved ballot measures legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.
As CBS Boston reported, the decision made Massachusetts the first state in the eastern United States to legalize recreational pot.
The question ran into resistance from those who felt the passage would lead to the widespread sale of potent edibles -- which due to their resemblance to candy, could pose a threat to children -- an increase in traffic accidents, and lead users to try narcotics like heroin.
Supporters of the measure touted the potential for tax revenue, and a reduced black market.
As CBS Boston reported, legalization in Massachusetts would come with a 3.75 percent surcharge in addition to the state's 6.25 percent sales tax, with the potential for local jurisdictions to tack on a 2 percent tax.
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A similar proposal in Maine would tax retail marijuana at 10 percent.
In Colorado pot is taxed at 28 percent, and 37 percent in Washington.
As CBS News reported, California voters said 'yes' to legal pot. The vote means that recreational marijuana will be legal along the entire West Coast.
Early Wednesday morning, 1010 WINS reported that voters in Nevada had also passed a ballot measure legalizing marijuana for anyone 21 and older.
Recreational pot was also on the ballot in Arizona. Voters in Florida, Arkansas, and North Dakota were also voting on medical marijuana on Tuesday.
As of early Wednesday morning, Florida and Arkansas had said yes to medical marijuana.
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