Massachusetts Mayor Makes First Cannabis Purchase

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]M[/dropcap]ayor David Narkewicz of Northampton, Massachusetts made the state’s first legal cannabis purchase at New England Treatment Access (NETA) on Nov. 20. Narkewicz served on the Air Force, and the mayor and other veterans were the first customers in Massachusetts.

According to local reports, lines at NETA began at 12:30 in the morning and wrapped around the building by the time it was ready to open. In Michigan, patrons may purchase up to one ounce per visit, and they pay a whopping 20 percent tax.

“I do think that as a supporter—long-time supporter—both of legalization of medical marijuana, and as a supporter of adult-use marijuana, I think it sends an important message that I’d be the first person to make that purchase,” Narkewicz said at a press conference. “There’s obviously been a lot of stigma around marijuana in this country. Massachusetts has moved forward on it . . . and Northampton has been a strong supporter of that.”

Doors opened at 8 a.m. sharp, and Narkewicz chose to buy an infused chocolate bar. He didn’t unwrap it or eat it. Instead, he chose to save it as a “historic artifact.”

In 2016, voters approved recreational cannabis, making Massachusetts the seventh state to legalize recreational cannabis. Currently, there are now 10 states with recreational cannabis. Sales were originally slated to begin on July 1, but it was delayed until Nov. 20. Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper said her branch will be on the lookout for visitors coming to the community to buy recreational cannabis.

Cultivate in Leicester also opened up at the same time on Tuesday, and its first customer was also a veteran. Although recreational cannabis is now legal in Massachusetts, NETA plans on setting aside 35 percent of its inventory for medical patients.

We are almost there… Our Northampton dispensary will be open for patients and adults 21+ beginning Tuesday, 11/20, at 8:00 AM! Check back here for more updates! pic.twitter.com/EnSABqLqsZ

— NETA (@netacaremass) November 17, 2018