Why I am voting ‘Yes’ to ban pot shops
By GuestDear Editor:
In November 2016, Massachusetts approved the legalization of marijuana for adult (21 and older) personal use, possession and growing of marijuana for recreational purposes. Medical use of marijuana is a separate law.
In addition to legalizing adult personal use, The Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act also legalized all marijuana-related business in 351 cities and towns.
“Marijuana business” pot shops sell smoke-able marijuana plant products as well as edible products, including candy, brownies, cookies and sodas with highly potent THC levels.
Canton residents can vote to “opt out.” At town meeting, which begins on Monday, May 14, and continues Wednesday, May 16, residents will have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Voting ‘Yes’ on Article 39 and 40 to “opt out” will stop pot shops (retail sale of recreational marijuana) in Canton. Keeping out the retail sale of marijuana will prevent “easy access” to highly potent marijuana candy, brownies and cookies and sodas that are packaged to attract youth.
The marijuana industry would like us to believe that they are not “targeting” our children and that their products are intended for adult usage. You be the judge! Do adults need to get their marijuana in the form of gummy bears, candy bars that are made to look like Kit Kats, Oreos or Nestle Crunch bars, or soft drink soda? Edible products make up nearly 60 percent of Colorado’s marijuana industry; emergency departments are routinely treating children who have ingested edible products with over 90 percent THC levels (compared to 20 percent in a typical joint).
A ‘Yes’ vote will not only protect our children, but also our services and resources. Pot shops require extensive inspection of operational security as well as testing of all products for mold and contaminates. The cost of these requirements would surpass any potential revenue Canton would take in. A ‘Yes’ vote will prevent our public safety and health inspection resources from being shifted to the security, monitoring and inspection of marijuana businesses. We are being told by the marijuana industry that our town will benefit from the increased revenue we will be receiving. It seems as if the only winners will be the marijuana industry who will be making money hand over fist and we will be the losers.
Too much is at stake here for me to stay home. I will be at town meeting on both nights voting ‘Yes’ to opt out.
Harriet Burak
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=38871
Posted by Guest
on May 12 2018. Filed under From One Citizen to Another, Opinion.
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