11 p.m. UPDATE: The town of Sharon voted against the ban A vote to ban marijuana stores from coming to Sharon, Massachusetts is dividing neighbors in town. Families and local leaders are prepared for a heated annual town meeting over the growing opposition. Back in 2016, Sharon was one of 262 cities and towns that voted in favor of legalizing…
Massachusetts' recreational marijuana industry could begin taking shape in the coming weeks.
Friday marks the first day that state regulators can issue licenses to pot shops and other businesses allowed under the voter-approved law that legalized adult use of marijuana.
The Cannabis Control Commission was not, however, expected to immediately announce any decisions.
Friday is also the day that any prospective operator who was not eligible for priority review by the commission can apply for a license to operate a retail establishment.
The first pot shops could open their doors in Massachusetts on July 1, though how many and where they might be located remains to be determined.
All applicants must clear background checks from regulators, and many cities and towns have imposed prohibitions or restrictions on marijuana businesses.
