Robert Celt
New Member
The Special Senate Committee on Marijuana, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis, has submitted a report that expressed concern regarding the potential legalization of the drug.
According to a release from Lewis' office, the Committee submitted a thorough review of the current marijuana laws in the Commonwealth, and an analysis of the public policy considerations in which lawmakers must engage in if the state were to legalize medical marijuana for recreational use and sale. Although the report stated that the Committee would not be taking an official position on the issue, "serious concerns" were expressed about the prospect of legalizing the drug in the Commonwealth.
"The Committee was charged with undertaking an in-depth and comprehensive review of the best available data and evidence concerning the potential impacts, costs, and benefits of marijuana legalization, and I believe that we have diligently fulfilled that charge with the release of our report today," said Lewis, who represents Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, parts of Winchester, Malden and Reading, in the release.
"This report represents countless hours of thorough research by numerous dedicated public servants. It will be an invaluable tool to inform legislators as we shape public policy for the Commonwealth in this area. I thank Senate President Stan Rosenberg for his trust in empowering me to Chair this Special Committee, and I commend him for his leadership in seeking to proactively address this important issue."
The Committee looked at the experiences of Colorado and Washington – which have already legalized the drug for recreational use – as well as consulting with 75 expert stakeholders, from law enforcement officials to cannabis reform advocates.
Many concerns were expressed regarding legalizing the drug for recreational use in Massachusetts. Among public health concerns, the committee members cited the ability for youth to access the drug and the amount of high-potency products available today.
The Committee also stated that there is no well-accepted standard for determining whether someone under the influence of marijuana is fit to operate a vehicle.
From an economic standpoint, the Committee argued that tax revenues and fees generated from legal says may fall short of covering full public and social costs, and that they do not believe that the revenue generated from the sale of marijuana would provide significant new funding for other public needs such as education or transportation.
The Committee also added that the time needed to implement marijuana legislation could be more appropriately used elsewhere, and that the state currently lacks baseline data on the impacts of the drug, as well as the ability to track and monitor trends overtime.
Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian released a statement in response to the report, citing that 90 percent of those enrolled in the Sheriff's Office most comprehensive drug treatment program at the Middlesex House of Correction cite marijuana as the first drug they used.
"The lasting impact of a decision of this magnitude will influence generational attitudes, as legalization would be a dangerous step towards making drug use more socially acceptable. As we seek to make a determination on this important public policy decision we must be mindful of its potential public health and safety dangers, ensuring the debate remains focused not just on the present, but the health and safety of generations to come," Koutoujian said.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Could Massachusetts Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use?
Author: Joe Lipovich
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Patch
According to a release from Lewis' office, the Committee submitted a thorough review of the current marijuana laws in the Commonwealth, and an analysis of the public policy considerations in which lawmakers must engage in if the state were to legalize medical marijuana for recreational use and sale. Although the report stated that the Committee would not be taking an official position on the issue, "serious concerns" were expressed about the prospect of legalizing the drug in the Commonwealth.
"The Committee was charged with undertaking an in-depth and comprehensive review of the best available data and evidence concerning the potential impacts, costs, and benefits of marijuana legalization, and I believe that we have diligently fulfilled that charge with the release of our report today," said Lewis, who represents Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, parts of Winchester, Malden and Reading, in the release.
"This report represents countless hours of thorough research by numerous dedicated public servants. It will be an invaluable tool to inform legislators as we shape public policy for the Commonwealth in this area. I thank Senate President Stan Rosenberg for his trust in empowering me to Chair this Special Committee, and I commend him for his leadership in seeking to proactively address this important issue."
The Committee looked at the experiences of Colorado and Washington – which have already legalized the drug for recreational use – as well as consulting with 75 expert stakeholders, from law enforcement officials to cannabis reform advocates.
Many concerns were expressed regarding legalizing the drug for recreational use in Massachusetts. Among public health concerns, the committee members cited the ability for youth to access the drug and the amount of high-potency products available today.
The Committee also stated that there is no well-accepted standard for determining whether someone under the influence of marijuana is fit to operate a vehicle.
From an economic standpoint, the Committee argued that tax revenues and fees generated from legal says may fall short of covering full public and social costs, and that they do not believe that the revenue generated from the sale of marijuana would provide significant new funding for other public needs such as education or transportation.
The Committee also added that the time needed to implement marijuana legislation could be more appropriately used elsewhere, and that the state currently lacks baseline data on the impacts of the drug, as well as the ability to track and monitor trends overtime.
Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian released a statement in response to the report, citing that 90 percent of those enrolled in the Sheriff's Office most comprehensive drug treatment program at the Middlesex House of Correction cite marijuana as the first drug they used.
"The lasting impact of a decision of this magnitude will influence generational attitudes, as legalization would be a dangerous step towards making drug use more socially acceptable. As we seek to make a determination on this important public policy decision we must be mindful of its potential public health and safety dangers, ensuring the debate remains focused not just on the present, but the health and safety of generations to come," Koutoujian said.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Could Massachusetts Legalize Recreational Marijuana Use?
Author: Joe Lipovich
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Patch
