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Heated public testimony as Senate panel considers bill to criminalize sale of cannabis by unlicensed sellers
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee held an extended hearing on S4154, a bill establishing crimes for selling or purchasing cannabis from unlicensed businesses. Industry, municipal leaders and patient advocates testified in opposition and support, framing the measure as either necessary enforcement or a rollback that could criminalize vulnerable people.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on May 29 devoted much of its afternoon to S4154, a measure sponsored by the Senate President that would make it a crime to sell or purchase cannabis from unlicensed businesses. The bill prompted lengthy debate and numerous public witnesses who articulated sharply divergent views on how to curb unregulated storefronts while protecting patients and social-equity goals.
Supporters — including licensed operators, municipal officials and unions — said local governments and legitimate businesses are losing customers and revenue to unlicensed sellers in convenience stores and smoke shops. Bill Caruso, legislative counsel to municipal leaders, told the committee local officials and police chiefs want clear guidance from the Attorney General…
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