Bill > S2524

This bill makes several changes related to marijuana regulation and delays certain deadlines. It clarifies that the terms agriculture, aquaculture, floriculture, or horticulture do not include the growing, cultivation, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana as defined in various state laws, including Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2012, Chapter 94C, and Chapter 94G. Additionally, the bill shifts several regulatory deadlines, primarily from earlier in 2017 and 2018 to later dates in 2018 and 2019, effectively delaying the implementation of certain provisions. A key provision requires the Department of Public Health, in consultation with other executive offices, to contract with a research entity within 60 days of the bill's enactment to conduct a comprehensive baseline study on marijuana use in the Commonwealth. This study will examine patterns of use, impaired driving and hospitalizations, and the economic and fiscal impacts of legalization, with findings to be reported by July 1, 2018. The bill also includes an emergency preamble, stating that its immediate passage is necessary for the safe implementation of marijuana legalization.