Sen. Fattman's Amendment Blocks EBT To Be Used For Recreational Pot

MILFORD, MA—State Senator Ryan C. Fattman announced this week his amendment banning the use of welfare funds on purchasing recreational marijuana has passed in the State Senate’s budget.

“This amendment is an example of good government and our state working to protect taxpayers,” said Fattman in a statement. “In my time in the legislature I have worked to reduce illicit purchases using cash assistance on items such as alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, and not lose sight of spending tax dollars responsibly.”

“An Amendment on cash assistance expenditures” was passed successfully Thursday in the State Senate’s budget, and bans the use of cash assistance on recreational marijuana purchases starting July 1, 2018, said the announcement from Sen. Fattman's office. The start date of the amendment coincides with the anticipated beginning of recreational marijuana licenses being issued in Massachusetts.

Similar amendment language also passed the House of Representatives last month during budget deliberations, and the amendment will now move forward to be signed by Governor Charlie Baker.

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