We’ve finally reached agreement on a marijuana bill. I hope that most voters will feel that the language improves on what the majority approved last November while fundamentally respecting the majority’s intentions.
Justice
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Glossary of Massachusetts Sentencing Terms
For many years, Attorney Lee Gartenberg, has been preparing a document that defines many key terms in Massachusetts criminal sentencing law. It’s a great resource and, with his permission, I share it here.
Sen. Brownsberger Featured in WBUR Article on Marijuana Conference Committee
Senator Brownsberger was recently appointed to the conference committee on recreational marijuana, which is charged with negotiating the differences in legislation passed by the House and Senate. This WBUR article offers an overview of the conference committee process and some of the issues on the table.
Sen. Brownsberger Talks Recreational Marijuana & SIFs on Boston Herald Radio
“We want to give the legal market every possible advantage, because it is competing with an established illegal market, and I think taxing it is a disadvantage.”
The Upcoming Marijuana Votes
I supported Question 4, legalizing marijuana, because I feel there are too many ways for young people to get caught up in the criminal justice system. I think the ballot question needs little modification — but there are two kinds of troubling proposals under discussion in the legislature. I would welcome your thoughts before voting.
Safe Injection Facilities — the Time is Now
Last weekend, the Massachusetts Medical Society endorsed the legalization of safe injection facilities. I am the sponsor of a bill to create a framework for legal operation of these facilities. The bill speaks to a crying need, especially now that fentanyl is on the market being sold as heroin.