MRCC

Grow, Gift, Repair

Impact fees for pot shops under scrutiny

Marijuana retailers in Massachusetts want to do away with the impact fees they pay to cities and towns in order to set up shop, arguing that the industry has had minimal impact on police, fire and other municipal services.

A proposal filed by state Rep. Andy Vargas, D-Haverhill, would require local governments to conduct annual audits of the costs to their communities from hosting pot businesses and refund dispensaries, if necessary. If a community fails to do an audit, dispensaries could sue to recoup the money.