The Massachusetts House of Representatives on Wednesday is debating a proposal to raise the tax on retail marijuana sales to 28 percent.
Lawmakers opposed to the increase said it could push buyers to the black market. However, a steep tax could also help stores that sell supplies for growing marijuana at home.
"People are not going to want to spend that kind of money when they can grow it themselves for cheaper," said Ian Back, who works at Here We Grow in Hadley.
Current law allows adults to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. Retail sales of pot are at least a year away.
The Massachusetts Senate is set to debate its own bill on Thursday. That version does not increase the tax.
