For cannabis legalization in New England, it’s a slow burn

BOSTON — New England still may be the next U.S. frontier for legal cannabis; just don’t try shopping for it quite yet.

After early successes for the cannabis industry in western states, the region seemed the next logical foothold. But while its famous independent streak, liberal politics and ample supply of college activism all made for fertile ground, the legalization movement often has collided with old-fashioned Yankee sensibilities — particularly in towns weary of the stigma around pot.

In Massachusetts, where voters approved of recreational marijuana in November 2016, today is when retail sales are allowed to finally start. But no pot stores have been licensed yet, and only a few may open for business in the coming months. Key factors cited for the delay are community resistance, the need to complete background checks on applicants and the lack of marijuana testing facilities.

In Vermont, possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana becomes legal today, but with no provisions in the law for pot shops, users must either grow it themselves or continue buying from illicit dealers.

Voters in Maine also backed a recreational marijuana law in 2016, but, partly because of stiff opposition from Republican Gov. Paul LePage, pot shops probably won’t open in the state before next year.

“It’s definitely frustrating as a consumer who wants to buy this in a safe manner,” said Kamani Jefferson of the delays of legal pot in Massachusetts. He has been organizing consumers to push for full implementation of the law so above-board sales can begin.