Today the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission will begin accepting applications for recreational cannabis stores across the state. And although only registered dispensaries - those disproportionately affected by past marijuana laws - will be able to apply, the commission is expecting a glut of applications

“I do anticipate a significant number of applications. There will be a great deal of interest in opening facilities in Massachusetts,” Jim Borghesani, spokesperson for the Marijuana Policy Project said to the Boston Herald. “For one thing, the states in New England are small. There will be customers coming from other states because in Massachusetts it’s tough to be 20 to 30 miles from a state line. You will see Massachusetts leading in all of the New England states in going toward a safer system of legal sales.”

Cannabis Advisory Board member Horace Small says legal pot will be a boon for Massachusetts.

"It brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the state coffers in tax revenue.”

Despite the enthusiasm around recreational marijuana in the Massachusetts business community, some police officers continue to be pessimistic about the outcomes.

“I remain concerned that we don’t have the training or capacity to keep impaired drivers off our roadways and to ensure public safety on our roadways,” Frederick Ryan, Arlington police chief said. “It requires a very high level of training. It’s costly, time-consuming and complex.”