State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Drugs
Allen Waters:
Demand for drugs by whites is putting more blacks in jail
Allen Waters, who is running as an independent, says demand for drugs by whites leads to incarceration of blacks. "White doctors overprescribing. White junkies over-desiring. White lawman testifying. Black dealers a'lying. Cycle no denying," Waters
posted on his Twitter feed in reaction to a time story about the raids. Referring to the Tweet as a "ditty," Waters said he was drawing attention to the incarceration of blacks, even here in Cape Cod, that is driven by white demand for drugs.
Source: Cape Cod Times on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race
Apr 12, 2016
Ayanna Pressley:
When pot is legalized, licensing needs to be fair
[Asked about marijuana legalization]: "We've seen things in California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania, and they do everything from you need to present a diversity hiring plan, set asides, 20 percent of tax revenue going to residency
all these different pieces, however no one has gotten equity right," she added. "This is an opportunity for us to establish a blueprint."
Source: WGBH 89.7 FM Radio on 2018 Massachusetts 7th House race
Jul 9, 2017
Bob Massie:
Supports legal marijuana from local businesses
Marijuana businesses and sales [should be] in the hands of local communities and local businesses, as opposed to having some Walmart of dope come in and set up a huge corporate structure that then takes all the money and benefit out of Massachusetts.
What often happens is, a wonderful new opportunity comes along, and a big company comes in and occupies most of the sales, and therefore the long-term economic benefits of the revenues and even of the wages go out of state. I think that's a mistake.
Source: WGBH Boston Public Radio on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
May 18, 2017
Bob Massie:
End mandatory minimums for low level drug offenses
Particularly happy to see an end to mandatory minimums for low level drug offenses and stricter requirements for race and ethnic data collection of those arrested. Now let's hope that @CharlieBakerMA doesn't block common sense reform and keep
laws that harm our communities. We need more action like this if we want to see a fairer justice system.Highlights from Criminal Justice Reform bill: - Ending Mandatory Minimums: Eliminates statutory sentences for many low-level,
non-violent drug offenses.
- Expungement: Courts will now be able to expunge juvenile and young adult (18-21) records, and cases where an offense is no longer a crime.
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Diversion: to address the opioid epidemic, district attorneys must create pre-arraignment diversion programs for individuals with addiction or mental health issues [currently only available to defendants aged 22 and under).
Source: Twitter.com posting on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 15, 2017
Carla Howell:
Be scared of the Drug War more than scared of drugs
Q: The idea that drugs would be legal scares a lot of people. Why should it not scare them? A: The War on Drugs is destroying neighborhoods and ruining families. Drug Prohibition makes it obscenely profitable to push drugs on our children.
I encourage parents to find out the consequences of specific illegal drugs and tell their kids the truth: these drugs can ruin your health and your life. Everyone should be frightened of the war on drugs. It’s been a terrible failure.
Source: Eric Darbe, Massachusetts News
Jan 5, 2000
Charlie Baker:
Vigorously oppose recreational marijuana but medical pot ok
Governor-elect Charlie Baker pledged to "vigorously oppose" the legalization of recreational marijuana, even as he plans to move forward with the implementation of medical marijuana.Supporters of legalized marijuana have already started laying the
foundation for a 2016 ballot question to legalize recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. Similar ballot questions passed in Colorado and Washington in 2012.
Baker, asked about the issue in an interview with
The Republican/MassLive.com in Boston on Monday, said, "I'm going to oppose that and I'm going to oppose that vigorously, with a lot of help from a lot of other people in the addiction community."
Baker, a Republican, said many people dealing
with addiction believe marijuana use is a "significant first step" toward addiction to other drugs. "There's a ton of research out there at this point that says, especially for young people, it's just plain bad," Baker said.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Nov 12, 2014
Charlie Baker:
Get dispensaries open for medical marijuana
[On medical marijuana], Baker declined to comment on his next steps regarding the licensing process or the provisional licenses granted by the administration of outgoing Gov. Deval Patrick. Baker said he needs to learn more about where the process sits
today and about the pending legal challenges. He reiterated comments he made on the campaign trail that he is disappointed the administration did not consult with experts in pain and cancer treatment.Baker indicated that he will move forward with
trying to get the dispensaries open. "I think waiting is a bad idea. There are clearly people who are looking for Massachusetts to get its act together and move forward on this," Baker said.
Baker also stressed his commitment to addressing opiate
addiction--which has become a big issue over the last year after a spate of overdose deaths in Massachusetts. The state legislature passed a comprehensive bill aimed at addressing drug addiction by requiring insurers to cover substance abuse treatment.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Nov 12, 2014
Charlie Baker:
Reduce opioid prescribing and drive Fentanyl off our streets
We began in the midst of an opioid crisis in which deaths, overdoses and prescriptions had been growing by double digits for more than a decade.
It was the worst case of negative momentum I'd ever seen. Today, with your help and support, we've reduced opioid prescribing by 29%. And overdose deaths have dropped for the first time in over a decade by 10%.
In addition, we have to deal with Fentanyl. Fentanyl was present in less than 30% of overdose deaths in 2014 but was present in more than 80% of overdose deaths in 2017. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are working this issue hard.
But we have more to do to drive this deadly drug off our streets.A bipartisan fentanyl bill that makes it easier to arrest and convict dealers and traffickers is in your hands. I ask you to enact it as soon as possible.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 23, 2018
Charlie Baker:
Legal marijuana sales in Massachusetts by 2020
Gov. Charlie Baker today signed the marijuana compromise bill sent to him last week by the Legislature, setting the stage for creation of the regulatory structure to oversee legal marijuana sales in Massachusetts.This legislative outcome means that
by January 2020, Massachusetts will be the only state in the country where all bans on adult-use marijuana businesses will require approval by local voters.
The compromise bill's most significant changes relate to local control and taxes.
The legislation adjusts the local control policy, allowing local government officials in towns that voted "no" on the 2016 ballot initiative to ban marijuana businesses until December 2019. For towns that voted "yes" in 2016, any bans must be placed on
a local ballot for voters to approve. The maximum sales tax rate (which depends on whether towns adopt optional local taxes) will increase from 12% to 20%. Under the bill, the state tax will be 17% and the local option will be 3%.
Source: MPP.org on 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Jul 28, 2017
Charlie Baker:
Four pillars: prevention, education, treatment and recovery
On opioid addiction we've made great progress. But we didn't get into this crisis overnight and we won't get out of it overnight either. This Legislature enacted two major bills that build on our four pillars of reform: prevention, education,
treatment and recovery.Today, we're one of a handful of states that can say that overdose deaths have dropped since 2017. There are interventions and policy changes that have worked and others that show promise.
We also added initiatives like credentialed recovery coaches that will be coming online throughout 2019 and beyond.
Dealing with opioid addiction is enormously difficult. Relapse is an inevitable part of the story.
Helping people avoid becoming addicted in the first place remains a challenge. And defusing the presence of fentanyl, which is now present in 90% of all drug overdose deaths, is an enormous challenge.
Source: 2019 Massachusetts governor inaugural (State of the State)
Jan 3, 2019
Charlie Baker:
Led the nation in responding to warning signs for vaping
We led the nation in responding to the growing body of evidence concerning this relatively new activity. As the warning signs of sudden illness, injury, and death here in Massachusetts and across the country became clear, we acted.
Together we moved quickly to protect our teens and adults. And today we have the most comprehensive legal framework in the country to oversee and regulate this untested, and potentially dangerous, activity.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
Charlie Baker:
Voted YES on recreational marijuana
Legislative Summary: H.3768 allows possession, cultivation, and personal use of marijuana; allows patients with a debilitating medical condition to purchase marijuana. Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission
to issue marijuana licenses. Legislative Outcome: Roll call #71 passed House 126-28-6; Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation.
Source: Massachusetts voting records: S.735 & S. 2407
Jun 21, 2017
Charlie Baker:
Regular pot users likely to try more dangerous drugs
Leading elected officials such as Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Attorney General Maura Healey insist the scourge of addiction starts with the first puff. "Decades of research have now debunked the myth that marijuana is harmless,"
the trio wrote in an OpEd in the Boston Globe. "The science also shows that regular marijuana users--especially those who start at a young age--are more likely to try more dangerous drugs."
Source: CommonWealth Magazine on 2018 Massachusetts Governor race
May 16, 2016
Don Berwick:
Rollout of medical marijuana was a management fiasco
All five candidates also agreed that Massachusetts was on the "right track" after eight years with Gov. Deval Patrick at the helm, but didn't hesitate to describe the rollout of medical marijuana as "fiascos" and management failures of his
administration.All five candidates said they would prefer to wait and see how the medical marijuana experiment in Massachusetts and the new legalization laws in Washington and Colorado work before deciding on legalized marijuana.
Source: WWLP 22-News on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial debate
Jun 10, 2014
Geoff Diehl:
Voted NO on recreational marijuana
Legislative Summary:H.3768 allows possession, cultivation, and personal use of marijuana; allows patients with a debilitating medical condition to purchase marijuana. Establishes the Cannabis Control Commission to issue marijuana licenses.
Legislative Outcome:Roll call #71 passed House 126-28-6; Geoff Diehl voted NAY
Source: Massachusetts voting records: H.3768
Jun 21, 2017
Heidi Wellman:
Marijuana isn't a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: NO
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Massachusetts Senate candidate
Mar 7, 2018
Jay Gonzalez:
Support addicts and get them on a path to recovery
Q: If you're elected, how might you address the opioid crisis?A: This is a huge crisis in our state. It is ruining people's lives. It is tearing families apart. When I was CEO of my health insurance company, (CeltiCare Health) the biggest health
problem that people my company served faced was addiction. It was the biggest cause of hospitalizations, drug costs, everything. So we really focused on what can we do differently to help support our members who are suffering from addiction and get them
on a path to recovery. There's no silver bullet solution, but we're not doing nearly enough right now. We need to invest in the treatment and support system so that we've got the capacity to address the demand. Part of what's happening is there aren't
enough of the right treatment facilities for people to access when they need them, depending on the type of treatment they need when they're in recovery, so they're dropping out and falling off of recovery.
Source: Wicked Local Marshfield on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Apr 21, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Ok to tweak marijuana law, but the people have spoken
Q: Where do you stand on the legalization of recreational marijuana, and how the legislation will roll out?A: The people have spoken and we have an obligation as a state to implement the law as passed by the voters.
I think we need to implement it thoughtfully, though. We need to keep public safety at the forefront. I do think there's a role for the legislature to play now to review the law and make tweaks to those ends, but I think they need to do it as
quickly as they can while maintaining the fundamental premise that was passed by voters.
Q: There's been some discussion about how much control local officials will have over allowing recreational marijuana in their own community.
Do you support local communities having more or less control?
A: My personal feeling is that localities should have some level of control, but I would be deferential to whatever the ballot question that was passed says on that point.
Source: Wicked Local Marshfield on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Apr 21, 2017
Joe Kennedy III:
Concerns with marijuana legalization: take a deep breath
Massachusetts has been at the forefront of the pro-marijuana movement. But "this one is a tough one for me, because my views do not exactly line up with my own state, and it's something that I'm struggling with," Kennedy said.Kennedy says it's his
job to "take a deep breath". "One of my main focuses in Congress is on mental health and addiction and there are a number of voices in that community that do pose serious questions about either the decriminalization or legalization efforts,"
Source: Boston Globe on 2020 Massachusetts Senate race
Mar 8, 2018
John Kingston:
Focus on opioid crisis instead of divisive rhetoric
During an interview at the Daily News office, Kingston, 52, a businessman, activist and political newcomer, said he would restore bipartisanship efforts in Congress to get lawmakers focused on issues such as immigration policy, the opioid crisis and
crumbling infrastructure instead of divisive rhetoric."What I want is an America in which we can have disagreements and points of view, but we are not tearing each other down or tearing the fabric of American life apart by virtue of our prejudice,"
he said.
Described as an independent-minded Republican, Kingston, of Winchester, came to Massachusetts by way of Connecticut. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School, the father of four worked in investment management,
primarily at Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., or AMG, as general counsel and later vice chairman.
Kingston is also a self-described social entrepreneur, advocating for issues such as freedom of speech on school campuses and veteran services.
Source: Milford Daily News on 2018 Massachusetts Senate race
Feb 1, 2018
Karyn Polito:
Voted NO on earmark for women's substance abuse program
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part VI: Safety & Justice:Crime Prevention. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].Vote on veto override of Section 88 of the FY2004 appropriations. The appropriation in
House bill No. 4330 earamrks at least $99,925 for the "Latinos y Ninos" program which addresses the needs of Latino women in substance abuse recovery. The governor's veto message (No. 4365), said "I am vetoing this section because it unnecessarily
earmarks the use of funds at the Department of Public Health."
Relevant platform section:Part VI: Safety & Justice:
Crime Prevention: "We support increased efforts to work with troubled young people and we support the development of secure substance abuse treatment facilities for adolescents and women."
Source citation: Veto Override, Sec. 88 ; vote number 520
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Feb 10, 2004
Lori Trahan:
Substance abuse culture must change: promote rehabilitation
We need to change the culture around substance use and promote rehabilitation. Lori wants to empower communities to enact programs that teach adolescents about drug use and addiction across the state of Massachusetts. Lori believes we need to
step up and provide more federal dollars to support prevention, treatment, and transitional programs. Destigmatize substance use disorder treatment. Prioritize rehabilitation and treatment over incarceration for low-level and nonviolent drug offenses.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts 3rd House campaign website LoriTrahan.com
Oct 9, 2018
Marty Walsh:
Voted NO on earmark for women's substance abuse program
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part VI: Safety & Justice:Crime Prevention. [State Rep. Walsh voted NO].Vote on veto override of Section 88 of the FY2004 appropriations. The appropriation in
House bill No. 4330 earamrks at least $99,925 for the "Latinos y Ninos" program which addresses the needs of Latino women in substance abuse recovery. The governor's veto message (No. 4365), said "I am vetoing this section because it unnecessarily
earmarks the use of funds at the Department of Public Health."
Relevant platform section:Part VI: Safety & Justice:
Crime Prevention: "We support increased efforts to work with troubled young people and we support the development of secure substance abuse treatment facilities for adolescents and women."
Source citation: Veto Override, Sec. 88 ; vote number 520
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Feb 10, 2004
Maura Healey:
Regular pot users likely to try more dangerous drugs
Leading elected officials such as Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Attorney General Maura Healey insist the scourge of addiction starts with the first puff. "Decades of research have now debunked the myth that marijuana is harmless,"
the trio wrote in an OpEd in the Boston Globe. "The science also shows that regular marijuana users--especially those who start at a young age--are more likely to try more dangerous drugs."
Source: CommonWealth Magazine on 2022 Massachusetts Governor race
May 16, 2016
Scott Brown:
Voted NO on earmark for women's substance abuse program
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part VI: Safety & Justice:Crime Prevention. [State Senator Brown, a Republican, voted NO].Vote on veto override of Section 88 of the FY2004 appropriations. The appropriation in
House bill No. 4330 earamrks at least $99,925 for the "Latinos y Ninos" program which addresses the needs of Latino women in substance abuse recovery. The governor's veto message (No. 4365), said "I am vetoing this section because it unnecessarily
earmarks the use of funds at the Department of Public Health."
Relevant platform section:Part VI: Safety & Justice:
Crime Prevention: "We support increased efforts to work with troubled young people and we support the development of secure substance abuse treatment facilities for adolescents and women."
Source citation: Veto Override, Sec. 88 ; vote number 520
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Feb 10, 2004
Setti Warren:
Combat opioid addiction by funding treatment
Setti Warren is calling on the Republican governor to release money for Amherst's homeless shelter, which he argues is pivotal for confronting the opioid crisis and combating addictions. Warren expressed concern for the decision by Gov. Charlie Baker to
freeze the $200,000 earmark for the Craig's Place shelter: "Programs like Craig's Place, and so many others across the state, will be essential to solving the opioids problem," Warren said. "If we don't have the money for these kinds of programs,
we should raise the revenue to fund them."The decision was based on questions about whether there is sufficient money in the state budget. "Since it is the only shelter that does not require sobriety, the staff and volunteers at Craig's Place are
also on the front lines of fighting the growing opioid epidemic," Warren said. The governor, he added, should be providing help, not hindering the work and putting the shelter into a state of emergency for no good reason.
Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 15, 2017
Setti Warren:
End mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes
Criminal Justice Reform: Opposition to Gov. Baker's proposal for new mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes: Commonwealth Magazine: "Gov. Baker's proposal to incarcerate more people in response to the opioid epidemic runs contrary to
everything we've learned in the failed war on drugs, and to Baker's own 2014 campaign promises," said Warren, the mayor of Newton. "Mandatory minimum sentences do not make our communities safer and they do not reduce illegal drug use. Those are facts."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Shannon Liss-Riordan:
Expunge criminal records of all cannabis-related offenses
Police department transparency, holding "gun-manufacturers accountable for the devastation" and cannabis-related crimes being erased from people's records were among the topics. "I support expunging criminal records of all cannabis-related offenses,"
she said, "and to compensate people for the damage done for engaging in something that is now legal."
Source: Lowell Sun on 2022 Massachusetts A.G. race
Aug 24, 2022
Sonia Chang-Diaz:
Make retail cannabis market accessible to smaller players
Communities also collect revenue from cannabis establishments through host community agreements. Community impact fees are limited 3% of gross sales, though there have been allegations that some communities collect more. Chang-Diaz said she's hopeful
the Legislature will advance a bill allowing the Cannabis Control Commission to review host community agreements. The measure would help make the market more accessible to smaller players, she said, including equity applicants.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2022 Massachusetts Governor race
Aug 3, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023