Marijuana in Massachusetts: 5 years later Crystal Haynes It’s been five years since recreational marijuana became legal in Massachusetts. In that time, the Cannabis Control Commission has granted 249 final licenses and 122 marijuana retailers have opened in the state. Since November 2018 sales have grossed $1.45 billion, generating more than $90 million in sales tax alone to the state. As the state grapples with this evolving industry, Boston 25 News is examining how the system is working. For Vanessa Jean-Baptist and Mark Bouquet, a former laundromat on Brockton’s Pleasant Street, transformed into a retail marijuana shop, is a clean start. “We’ve been through a lot of hurdles to get to this point. We never gave up and we’re just grateful that we’re here,” says Bouquet.