Neighbor News
Pot Shops could become a reality for Mansfield
What does the new marijuana law mean for Mansfield?
In the upcoming Mansfield Town meeting of May 15, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the marijuana law that was passed in 2016 (question 4 on the ballot). It must be noted that the referendum was passed at a slim 51.7% margin. 91 cities and towns in Massachusetts voted against the law. 156 cities and towns have already enacted by-laws against the referendum, (many originally having approved Q4), for temporary moratoriums or permanent Bans of commercial sales of marijuana. In recent weeks another 3 towns have followed suit, Auburn, Andover, and Cohasset.
Mansfield voters who thought the intent of the marijuana ballot question was the legalization of recreational use, may be surprised to learn that local retail sale and cultivation of marijuana is also a part of the new law. This means that retail pot shops would become a reality in Mansfield – along with all the concerns that this type of business would bring to our town, unless the voters do something about it.
The town meeting will allow voters to engage in this issue; specifically in regards to extending the current moratorium on the law (the moratorium ends in November, 2018), as well as to weigh in on the potential of pot shops and cultivation of marijuana in Mansfield.
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The retail sale and cultivation of marijuana in Mansfield is the wrong path for our town. Research in this area is conclusive:
Where there is more access to marijuana more people will use the drug
Find out what's happening in Mansfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The potency of marijuana is now significantly stronger
1 out of six people that use marijuana/thc will struggle with addiction to it
Pot shops are a magnet for people looking to get high as well as to purchase drug paraphernalia.
Pot shops, and people that access them, significantly change the dynamics of a town – not always for the good
Marijuana use is associated with elevated occurrences of mental health struggles, including experiencing high stress, depression, self-injury, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.
The voters have the opportunity in the May 15, Town Meeting to express themselves regarding the marijuana law. This is an important issue that, if allowed to proceed, could have a lasting and negative impact on the town of Mansfield and the people that call it home. It is recommended that a complete ban on the retail sale and cultivation of marijuana be put in to place for the Town of Mansfield
Steve Nickerson, Vice Chairman, Mansfield Republican Town Committee