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H 144

An Act dedicating one-percent of the recreational marijuana excise tax to youth substance use prevention

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

Massachusetts bill allocates 1% of recreational marijuana excise tax revenue to youth substance use prevention programs statewide.

Accompanied a study order, see H5396 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 144

Legislative bill overview

H 144 dedicates 1% of Massachusetts' recreational marijuana excise tax revenue to fund youth substance use prevention programs. The bill requires a portion of tax proceeds currently directed to general state coffers to be allocated specifically toward evidence-based prevention initiatives targeting young people.

Why is this important

Marijuana tax revenue in Massachusetts has grown substantially since legalization in 2016, currently generating hundreds of millions annually. Dedicating even 1% of this revenue creates a dedicated funding stream for prevention work, which traditionally competes for limited state budget resources and often faces cuts during fiscal pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation concerns: Redirecting tax revenue away from general state spending or other priorities (education, addiction treatment, local communities) may face opposition from budget hawks or competing programs
  • Effectiveness questions: Debates over whether 1% is sufficient funding and whether prevention programs can meaningfully address youth substance use when social/economic factors are primary drivers
  • "Marijuana tax as prevention funding" contradiction: Some argue it's counterintuitive to fund youth prevention from a product designed for adult recreational use, raising philosophical concerns about normalizing cannabis while simultaneously preventing youth use

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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