The vote to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Massachusetts means some changes down the line for Brookline, but nothing overnight, say police and medical marijuana dispensary spokespeople.
"It is at this point not possible that a legal gram of cannabis will be sold before 2018," said Norton Arbelaez of the New England Treatment Access, a medical marijuana dispensary that opened earlier this year amid some concern to neighbors.
"Our goal and mission continues to be to serve medical marijuana patients," he said.
As of Dec. 15, according to the ballot initiative law, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana for recreational use became legal in the state. Gov. Charlie Baker’s office sent a memo to State Police on the subject, reminding police that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, which has been considered a lower priority.
"At this time, it is not yet clear whether the incoming administration will maintain that position, or whether the federal enforcement agencies will take a more aggressive stance toward state legalization initiatives," said the Baker administration memo to police.
The eight-page memo to police departments across the state referenced "a complex web of different rules" for law enforcement to navigate with the new law.
"Within certain limits, the new law authorizes some conduct that had previously been prohibited. Beyond those limits, however, possession, cultivation and distribution of marijuana remain illegal under state law," the memo said.
So what does it mean for Brookline Police?
"It’s an evolving process," said Deputy Superintendent Michael Gropman.
"It creates some complexities for us because it’s legal to process but not legal to sell. And won’t be for some time," said Gropman, who added the department had received guidance from the District Attorney’s office.
Police said they were concerned that the new law created a demand for marijuana by making it legal, but no way to legally meet that demand, unless you had a medical marijuana card.
But for now the law remains the same about who can obtain a medical marijuana card, said NETA’s Arbelaez.
"And just because there adult use is now legal doesn’t negate the need for [medical marijuana]," he said.
NETA, said Arbalaez, is watching how the law evolves. "This is very, very early," he said.
"The biggest question now is how will the regulatory framework develop, who will regulate this on the state side, what will the regulatory look like," he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Pot Is Legal In Brookline, Now What?
Author: Jenna Fisher
Contact: 781-433-6700
Photo Credit: Owain Lacey
Website: Wicked Local Brookline
