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Mass. Bill Would Allow Marijuana To Be Taxed, Regulated Like Alcohol

BOSTON (AP) — Marijuana would be taxed and regulated like alcohol under a bill being backed by more than a dozen Massachusetts lawmakers.

The bill would let adults 21 years or older to possess and grow limited amounts of marijuana.

The proposal would also create a regulated system of licensed marijuana retail stores, cultivation facilities, processing facilities and testing facilities.

The bill is being pushed by the Marijuana Policy Project. The group says it plans to put a question on the 2016 ballot to regulate and tax marijuana if the bill fails to win support on Beacon Hill.

The bill is sponsored by two Democrats — Rep. David Rogers of Belmont and Sen. Pat Jehlen of Somerville. It's co-sponsored by 13 other lawmakers.

Voters have already approved two previous pro-marijuana ballot questions.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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