Schools mulling public stance on marijuana question

The Canton School Committee plan to reach out to other school boards and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees before deciding whether they should take a public stance on the state ballot question proposing the legalization of recreational marijuana in the commonwealth.

The ballot question, which will likely go before voters in November, has been certified by Attorney General Maura Healey as constitutional; however, a legal challenge to the proposal, filed by 60 Massachusetts residents, is currently before the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.

Marijuana is now legal in four states plus the District of Columbia. It is decriminalized in 16 others and is sold for medicinal purposes in 23 states, including Massachusetts.

The 2016 ballot question, sponsored by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, would permit adults 21 and older to keep up to 10 ounces of marijuana in their home and have up to one ounce on them at a time. It would also permit the commercial sale and taxation of marijuana and assorted marijuana products.

At last Thursday’s School Committee meeting, Chairman John Bonnanzio voiced his opposition to the ballot question and said in his opinion it is the responsibility of the schools to keep children safe. If the measure is approved, Bonnanzio believes those under 21 would find a way to “get their hands on this.”

Committee member Reuki Schutt said she needs to see more information on both sides of the issue before she could vote on the proposal. Committee member Mike Loughran said while he does not support the ballot question, he is not sure the School Committee should take a position on it.

A Canton parent who is also a nurse agreed to work with the School Department to inform the committee of the proposal and its potential impacts. CHS Principal Derek Folan said whether or not the referundum passes, the state should consider the full impact on schools and students.

In other action at the June 9 School Committee meeting, interim curriculum director Jayne Moore read a report from interim Superintendent Jen Henderson, who is at home recovering from a serious illness.

In an impressive show of support, all of the school principals and front office staff stood during the public comment period of the meeting and wished Henderson well and praised her for moving the system forward as interim superintendent. Bonnazio said that Henderson is expected to return to the system as curriculum director …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jun 17 2016. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.