Will, while I agree that prescription abuse is a problem, this bill will likely compound the problems faced by patients dying of cancer and their physicians, nurses and families. These are the people with intractable and unimaginable pain, usually in the last stages of life who are trying to die with dignity and some comfort. …
Drug Policy
Senate Passes Prescription Drug Legislation
Today the Senate passed a bill to strengthen the state’s response to prescription drug addiction. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
Marijuana, Cocaine and Heroin
I’ve been hearing from a number of constituents who are calling for full legalization and taxation of marijuana. I think that it is much more useful to focus on reducing mandatory minimum sentences for the harder drugs and I’m hopeful that our financial crunch will create the conditions for responsible movement on sentencing policy.
Policy research
Links to drug policy publications, reports and presentations by Will Brownsberger.
Question two — marijuana decriminalization
Question Two on the November ballot purports to enact a “Sensible State Marijuana Policy.” So packaged, the proposal is likely to pass.
Drug Policy Recommendations
I believe that there are three major reforms that we need to pursue in Massachusetts drug policy: (1) moderation of our sentencing policies; (2) improvement of substance abuse treatment quality; (3) expansion of screening and brief intervention.