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As of last week, medical marijuana is legal in Massachusetts. The law allows only patients with a prescription for debilitating conditions to obtain up to a 60-day supply of marijuana – and "in specific hardships," grow it. It will allow up to 35 treatment centers located in Massachusetts.
On Election Day last November, Beverly residents favored the legalization of medical marijuana with a vote of 12,631 to 7,426, helping to make Massachusetts the 18th state to pass the law.
As officials deal with the reality that pot will be more accessible to residents, Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon is still "content" to leave it in the state's hands.
"I'd like to see the law complied with. It's simply that," said Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon, who had little to mention of the city's next steps at this stage in its legalization. He said it will be helpful to note how other states like Colorado and Arizona have handled the law and placement of dispensaries.
"These other states have dealt with this, and we don't hear of any earth-shattering problems," he said.
In terms of monitoring its dispensation, Beverly Police Chief Mark Ray is cautious about who will gain more access to marijuana.
Because of this Chief Ray said he wants to ensure the process involves educational awareness among Beverly's youth. "This could have an adverse affect on our youth," said Ray. "Now we just need to adapt."
"We have to consider where dispensaries will be located," Chief Ray continued. "We don't want them near our schools."
All risks aside, Chief Ray said for individuals with significant medical conditions, that he supports the law and it "makes sense."
While towns such as Reading and Wakefield have approved proposals to prevent any establishment of dispensaries in their towns, Chief Ray does not see it necessary to take the same measures in Beverly.
"The question is, could we legally defend banning all dispensaries?" said Chief Ray, explaining that if establishments do appear in Beverly, there will be discussion about specific locations.
Ray does foresee complications in instances where people are caught with possession.
"You could be carrying two ounces of marijuana and it's perfectly legal because you have a prescription. How do my officers then react to that? It's going to add some confusion with enforcement," he said.
Bylaws will inevitably vary across the state and local businesses may have to modify employee drug and alcohol policies while the state will be allocating resources for dispensaries.
Places such as Needham and Lexington are working to enforce harsher fines for public consumption. Quincy has considered an ordinance proposal banning any dispensaries located within 1,500 feet of a school, park, daycare, bar/establishment, or residential area, while Cambridge is hosting seminars for anyone who wants to open weed shops.
According to Beverly Board of Health Chair Frank Carbone, the effectiveness of medical marijuana treatment is also still under scrutiny, which may yet alter how Beverly and others move forward with the law.
For now, Chief Ray's main concern is the children of Beverly, but he is confident the city is well prepared. "The fact is that two-thirds of the commonwealth of Massachusetts wanted it," said Chief Ray. "So we'll adapt and deal."
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wickedlocal.com
Author: Rachael Bailey
Contact: Beverly Citizen Contact Us
Website: Beverly officials adapt to medical marijuana law - Beverly, MA - Beverly Citizen
On Election Day last November, Beverly residents favored the legalization of medical marijuana with a vote of 12,631 to 7,426, helping to make Massachusetts the 18th state to pass the law.
As officials deal with the reality that pot will be more accessible to residents, Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon is still "content" to leave it in the state's hands.
"I'd like to see the law complied with. It's simply that," said Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon, who had little to mention of the city's next steps at this stage in its legalization. He said it will be helpful to note how other states like Colorado and Arizona have handled the law and placement of dispensaries.
"These other states have dealt with this, and we don't hear of any earth-shattering problems," he said.
In terms of monitoring its dispensation, Beverly Police Chief Mark Ray is cautious about who will gain more access to marijuana.
Because of this Chief Ray said he wants to ensure the process involves educational awareness among Beverly's youth. "This could have an adverse affect on our youth," said Ray. "Now we just need to adapt."
"We have to consider where dispensaries will be located," Chief Ray continued. "We don't want them near our schools."
All risks aside, Chief Ray said for individuals with significant medical conditions, that he supports the law and it "makes sense."
While towns such as Reading and Wakefield have approved proposals to prevent any establishment of dispensaries in their towns, Chief Ray does not see it necessary to take the same measures in Beverly.
"The question is, could we legally defend banning all dispensaries?" said Chief Ray, explaining that if establishments do appear in Beverly, there will be discussion about specific locations.
Ray does foresee complications in instances where people are caught with possession.
"You could be carrying two ounces of marijuana and it's perfectly legal because you have a prescription. How do my officers then react to that? It's going to add some confusion with enforcement," he said.
Bylaws will inevitably vary across the state and local businesses may have to modify employee drug and alcohol policies while the state will be allocating resources for dispensaries.
Places such as Needham and Lexington are working to enforce harsher fines for public consumption. Quincy has considered an ordinance proposal banning any dispensaries located within 1,500 feet of a school, park, daycare, bar/establishment, or residential area, while Cambridge is hosting seminars for anyone who wants to open weed shops.
According to Beverly Board of Health Chair Frank Carbone, the effectiveness of medical marijuana treatment is also still under scrutiny, which may yet alter how Beverly and others move forward with the law.
For now, Chief Ray's main concern is the children of Beverly, but he is confident the city is well prepared. "The fact is that two-thirds of the commonwealth of Massachusetts wanted it," said Chief Ray. "So we'll adapt and deal."
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wickedlocal.com
Author: Rachael Bailey
Contact: Beverly Citizen Contact Us
Website: Beverly officials adapt to medical marijuana law - Beverly, MA - Beverly Citizen
