Massachusetts Mayor First in Line As Marijuana Becomes Legal

Twenty years ago, if someone told you that the mayor of an average East Coast town was happily standing in line to purchase a cannabis-infused chocolate bar, you'd probably accuse them of being high. 

However, that was the scene Tuesday night as Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz became one of the first people to legally purchase recreational marijuana in Massachusetts at New England Treatment Access in Northampton, one of two stores that have opened for recreational sales in the state. 

Iraq War veteran Stephen Mandile was the first customer to purchase the legal cannabis at the state's other legal retail shop, Cultivate in Leicester. 

The momentum for cannabis legalization has seen a series of victories, especially in recent years as states look for new sources of tax revenue. The Bay State voted to legalize recreational marijuana two years ago, becoming the seventh state in the union to open retail shops. Michigan voters gave the thumbs up to retail sales last month making it the tenth state in the union overall to legalize recreational cannabis. 

The Massachusetts law allows retail shops to sell customers up to an ounce of flower or 20 servings of edibles at a time. Both products must come in child-resistant packaging. 

But, don't worry, the mayor isn't about to lower the shades at city hall and put on his favorite Pink Floyd album. Narkewicz says he plans on donating the cannabis-infused chocolate bar to Northampton's historical society. 

"I don't intend to consume it," Narkewicz said. 

Photo: Getty Images


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