Governor Says He Will 'Probably' Vote Against Marijuana Ballot Question
The governor, during a live chat with Patch, expressed skepticism about the legalization of medical marijuana, though he sympathized with patients in pain.
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Governor Deval Patrick said he would likely vote no on Question 3 this fall.
During a Thursday live chat with Patch, a reader asked Patrick how he would vote on the ballot question and whether the governor was for or against the legalization of cannabis.
"I am not too energized on this issue, personally. California's experience has been mixed. I will probably vote against it. I respect the opposing view, though, especially those whose concern is for people in constant pain," wrote the governor in response.
Proponents say medical marijuana will help ease the pain and suffering of cancer patients and other eligible residents. Opponents, meanwhile, say the law is a back door to full legalization, and that medical marijuana can be dangerous.
If approved, Question Three would "eliminate state criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marijuana by qualifying patients." Qualified patients would be allowed to hold a 60-day supply of marijuana for personal use.
California has allowed medical marijuana use for years, though it remains a contentious issue in the state. The state law has not prevented federal authorities from raiding medical marijuana clinics and shops, and impounding the product found there.
The contenders for U.S. Senate have also weighed in on Question Three. Senator Scott Brown, a Republican, opposes the measure while his Democratic challenger, Elizabeth Warren, recently offered qualified support for it.
Paul Bishop
11:39 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Massachusetts has essentially decriminalized recreational use, reducing possession of up to an ounce to what is equivalent to a traffic fine... meanwhile, sick people suffer. Sick people aren't able to go hang around a convenience store parking lot at two in the morning to find a way to stop intractable vomiting from chemotherapy, but the recreational weed smoker can and does.
This isn't a referendum on the law already passed. As it stands right now, our law sends the absolute WRONG message- Recreational use is fine, but suffering patients should be made to suffer and live in fear.
Recreational use possibly needs more deterrance, but keeping it out of the hands of those that actually need it is nothing short of criminal on the part of society.
Ryan Seavey
11:39 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
of course Warren supports it, she needs it for her peace pipe.
Papa Rich
6:35 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The writers and the gentlemen who created the constitution of your country grew hemp and smoked it.
Duh
Everyone was required to grow hemp.
Ryan Seavey
11:06 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Re-Criminalize it but make it legal for medicinal prescription. Raise the jail time for possession to 10+ years, that would send the message.
Papa Rich
6:08 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
Yeah put them in jail and create jobs
What about all the harm liquor does to our society
Maybe we should start jailing drinkers also
Put everyone in jail America the land of the free.
With the largest prison population on the planet
Jillian Galloway
4:11 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
American taxpayers are being forced to pay $40 Billion a year for a prohibition that causes 10,000 brutal murders & 800,000 needless arrests each year, but which doesn't even stop CHILDREN getting marijuana.
After seventy-five years of prohibition, it's obvious that the federal marijuana prohibition causes FAR more harm than good and must END! Drug Dealers Don't Card, Supermarkets Do.