A new bill filed today in the Massachusetts Legislature would add cannabis-infused beverages to the state’s bottle redemption program.
Bottle redemption machines.
Filed by State Representative David LeBoeuf (D), House Bill 3982 has been referred to the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. The proposal would amend current recycling laws to treat cannabis beverages like soda, water, and beer in terms of container redemption.
Specifically, the measure would update Section 321 of Chapter 94 of the General Laws to include cannabis-infused beverages in the definition of redeemable containers. These beverages are defined as those legally distributable under Massachusetts law that contain cannabinoids including CBD and THC.
Under the bill, redemption centers would be required to accept qualifying cannabis beverage containers, provided they meet the same requirements as other redeemable items. However, the legislation includes a carveout that exempts distributors of cannabis-infused beverages from paying handling fees associated with the redemption process.
Representative LeBoeuf’s proposal marks one of the first efforts in the state to directly address recycling policy in relation to marijuana products, an area expected to grow as the infused beverage market continues to expand.
