Victorious lawmakers elected on Nov. 7 will once again grapple with whether the state should create a recreational cannabis retail market.
A recreational market is likely dependent on which party can gain control of the General Assembly, though it ultimately might not matter under the current governor. A majority of likely voters recently surveyed by the Wason Center support allowing retail sale, or 58%. Democrats (76%) and independents (59%) have stronger support than Republicans.
Recreational cannabis has the potential to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue. The market could earn $31-$62 million in the first year, and by year five, commercial marijuana could produce $154-$308 million, according to a 2020 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study. It estimated sales could slightly overtake the illegal market by the fourth year of legalization.
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