The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has Question 4 on their November ballot which mirrors Nevadas Question 2 – the commercialization of legalized marijuana in the two states. Both initiatives were drafted and are promoted by the Marijuana Policy Project (Washington, D.C.) and are each locally sponsored by a Committee to Regulate and Tax Marijuana Like Alcohol.
Surprisingly, the push back to legalization for the commercial marijuana industry has been much more emphatic in liberal Massachusetts than in Nevada. In May, Republican Governor Charlie Baker made common cause with three leading Democrats – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Attorney General Maura Healey. Together, they formed an opposition organization The Committee for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts.
Currently, 120 bi-partisan state legislators( 84 Ds and 36 Rs) have signed up in opposition to Q 4 in the Bay State – while only 10 legislators have endorsed it. Moreover, opposition to Q 4 has been registered from important and diverse groups throughout the state: The Massachusetts Medical Society; Hospital Association; Bostons Teaching Hospitals; their Municipal Association; School Superintendents; business organizations -Industries, Retail and Contractors; Mental Health Association; Chiefs of Police; Sheriffs Association and all 21 District Attorneys.
As a result, Massachusetts public opinion on Q4 has shifted dramatically. An initial poll in the state had legalization leading with 57 percent support. Two recent Massachusetts polls show it now losing by 10 percent most currently.
In contrast, support for Question 2 in Nevada has been limited to a very small number of state legislators, marijuana champion Senator Tick Segerblom and nine others. But opposition to Q 2 has been muted. Gov. Brian Sandoval has voiced opposition and Sen. Harry Reid said he was very, very dubious and concerned about recreational legalization. While formal opposition is growing, there are still many Nevada officeholders and organizations yet to take a position.
Voters need to read the 13 page initiative on the ballot as Question 2. Its a business plan written by the marijuana industry to exclusively benefit themselves. Its provisions include a self-serving industry overreach providing no local government opt-outs for any of Nevadas 17 counties, unlike provisions found in Colorados legalization law and in Nevadas medical marijuana law. Section 14 of the initiative actually criminalizes personal cultivation within 25 miles of a retail marijuana establishment. Its phony legalization drafted by the commercial marijuana industry.
Liberal Massachusetts knows whats at issue and their state has come together united in opposition to the commercial marijuana legalization initiative. If Massachusetts can do it, whats the matter with more conservative Nevada?
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Marijuana Legalization – Whats The Matter With Nevada?
Author: Jim Hartman
Contact: Carson Now
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
Website: Carson Now
