With a number of states — including Massachusetts — on track to put the issue of marijuana legalization on the ballot next year, the burgeoning industry is starting to flex its political muscle.

“The issue is front and center in a way that it hasn’t been before in a presidential election,” said Taylor West, deputy director of marijuana business trade group the National Cannabis Industry Association.

Read more: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/kimberly_atkins/2015/10/atkins_bernie_sanders_pot_stance_gets_high_marks