Merrimac Town Meeting on April 25th
Merrimac voters have an opportunity to bring a potential $250,000 in new revenue to the town at the Town Meeting on April 25th.
A yes on Warrant Article 16 at town meeting to allow adult-use sale of cannabis could result in nearly a quarter million of annual tax revenue for the town – a 3% Host Community Fee and a 3% sales tax collected by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue that is returned to the host community. There are no strings attached to this revenue – the town can use this money in the most impactful way for the community – to help fund education, for public safety, for infrastructure improvements, or for other priorities of the town.
BeWell Organic Medicine, Inc. has operated a medical cannabis dispensary in Merrimac for three years and has proven to be a responsible neighbor. Allowing BeWell to make Adult Use sales will generate this additional revenue for Merrimac. The company is a positive contributor to the community and is well positioned to handle adult-use sales safely and professionally.
The neighboring communities of Haverhill and Salisbury already benefit from retailers there who contribute to those communities. Merrimac should not be left out of this opportunity to benefit local public needs.
The industry is well-regulated, and retailers are good neighbors in their communities and make positive contributions to the Commonwealth. Since retail sales of adult-use cannabis began in November of 2018 the industry has expanded to 200 dispensaries across the Commonwealth and has generated over $2 billion in sales resulting in millions of dollars in tax revenues for host communities.
Massachusetts voters voted in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2016, passing ballot question 4 with nearly 54% of the vote. And 55% of the voters here in Merrimac supported legalization.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission was established after the passage of the ballot question to regulate the industry. The Commission succeeded in devising and implementing a set of regulations that ensures product safety, equitable licensing, and oversight of the industry. The Commission also provides information for consumers, parents, and the general public.
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Merrimac Town Meeting: Vote YES on Article 16 to allow adult-use sale of cannabis
When: April 25, 2022 at 7:30 PM
Where: Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School, 104 Church St, Merrimac, MA 01860