The News 8 Investigators traveled over the border to Massachusetts to find out what would go into creating the new industry if the legislature approves it.

From license applications to changing zoning laws to regulating and enforcing it, potential pot business-owners say the task of creating a new industry could be a trying, time consuming experience.

One of those businessmen is Dave Caputo.

He applied to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission this week for a cultivating and a manufacturing license.

The founder of Poistronic Farms wants to grow marijuana is an old, vacant paper mill that sits along the Connecticut River in Holyoke, MA.

He brings us through the process of applying for the license, starting with getting the backing and support of his local city government.

The News 8 Investigators also spoke with Northampton attorney Richard Evans.

For 40 years, Evans has advocated for legalizing marijuana. He says he was sick of seeing his clients go to jail for smoking pot.

As the chairman of the “Yes on 4” campaign during the 2016 referendum vote and member of the drafting committee created to set up the rules and regulations, he has some advice for Connecticut lawmakers and any other states that are considering legalizing recreational weed.

He says Massachusetts went over board with its regulations, comparing them to the same rules regulating plutonium.

He believes every state will eventually end the prohibition on recreational weed because there is so much money and so many jobs at stake.