Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Recreational marijuana stores are popping up all over the city. Ball Square, Davis Square and East Somerville to name a few. I surveyed people from around the city on their feelings toward this. Each new comment is in quotes.

“I’d put a Pizza Parlor next to every one of them. Munchies.”

“Not even used for medical in sc yet. “

“Here’s my question? What’s the sales tax on a purchase? I’m asking because I’m getting many answers.”

“20% and it’s because it’s essentially a sin tax that gets passed through to the consumer.”

“If it were solely medicinal in nature and covered by insurance, it would cost you next to nothing. But this is essentially recreational use, so it’s taxed like cigarettes and booze.”

“No different than bars and liquor stores being all those places, only difference is alcohol kills people marijuana doesn’t”

“If you have a medical Marijuana card then they waive the tax I believe. From some good sources, the weed is a better grade than the stuff on the street plus they sell other products like gummies, drinks, tinctures, balms etc.”

“Margie MacDonald a smoke shop (Blue Moon Smoke Shop, Teele Sq) is different than a recreational dispensary (Blue River Terps, Ball Sq).  Actually, in Ball Sq, Blue River is right across the street from Ball Square Smoke Shop. They sell different items.”

“Growing up there we gave directions by the bar room or Dunkin donuts. This is just another way of doing it.”

“I’d say you were crazy if you ever told me that someday buying reefer would be as easy to get as a loaf of bread.”

Looks like the pot shops are spreading like weeds.