The following article from the Boston Globe presents the argument of the opposition; “Opponents argue that the dangers of the drug (marijuana) have been understated, and argue that the state is already facing an opioid abuse crisis.” This crisis is real and serious. Opioid Recovery Specialists like, Matt Flinch, report on studies and confirmation that marijuana can ease opiod withdrawl symptoms.
While we await Federal Regulation, At the end of the day, the American Medical Association shouldn’t deny these simple stats, regarding drug use for medicinal or recreational purposes: alcohol, opiods, prescription and non prescription medications, used medicinally or recreationally kill and marijuana is the better option if possible.
Drug Overdose Total 47,055
Prescription Analgesics Total 18,893
Heroin Overdose Total 10,574
Alcohol-Induced Deaths 29,001Cannabis 0
(See more from the source of these stats here).
And Congrats to Boston for collecting the signatures from the people to support adult use marijuana regulation and Good Luck on Monday!
Legislative hearing Monday on marijuana legalization initiative – The Boston Globe
State lawmakers are set to hold a hearing Monday on a proposed initiative for the November ballot that would legalize the use of marijuana.
Such a measure has many powerful opponents on Beacon Hill — including Governor Charlie Baker and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo — but the referendum could move forward even if it doesn’t garner much support from lawmakers at the hearing, which is set for 1 p.m.
Advocates have gathered enough petition signatures to get the measure before the Legislature. The Legislature can approve their initiative, reject it, propose a substitute, or do nothing.In the absence of legislative approval, organizers will have to gather 10,792 signatures by early July in order to get the measure on the ballot.
The legalization initiative proposes to set a 3.75 percent excise tax on retail marijuana sales, in addition to the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. The measure would also allow cities and towns to impose an additional 2 percent tax that the municipalities could keep.
The initiative would also allow adults to grow up to six marijuana plants at home. Retail sales could begin in January 2018. A new “Cannabis Control Commission,” would oversee stores, growing facilities, and manufacturers of edible products like brownies.
Some lawmakers have suggested that they may go back and adjust the measure if it is approved by voters, in order to address any shortcomings they might find.
Legalization advocates say laws against marijuana are ineffective, and that the drug should be regulated like alcohol. Voters in four states and Washington, D.C. have approved legalization measures, but marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.Opponents argue that the dangers of the drug have been understated, and argue that the state is already facing an opioid abuse crisis.
They also say the state has already taken steps to make its marijuana rules more reasonable. Medicinal marijuana is being haltingly implemented in Massachusetts, for instance, and the state has decriminalized personal use.
Governor Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh argued against legalization in an opinion piece in Monday’s Globe.
“We should not be expanding access to a drug that will further drain our health and safety resources,” the three elected officials said.
Source: Legislative hearing Monday on marijuana legalization initiative – The Boston Globe
