Cannabis education
The Boston Herald recently editorialized, “States must address downside of legal weed” and in doing so, missed a tremendous opportunity for cannabis consumers, patients and its readers to learn more about the important public health, public safety, and prevention and education work being done in Massachusetts to help keep kids and drivers safe. That editorial along with previous cannabis editorials have omitted this valuable information.
As you may know, Massachusetts became the first adult-use cannabis state in the nation to adopt a curriculum to educate residents about the risks of marijuana-impaired driving. I was a proud partner in developing “Shifting Gears: the Blunt Truth about Marijuana and Driving,” which Cannabis Control Commissioners endorsed in January and will be taught to about 50,000 young drivers a year.
Safety remains paramount to our agency. From its inception, the Commission has ensured regulated cannabis products do not appeal to children by adopting child-resistant packaging requirements as well as restrictions against bright colors, items imitating foods and beverages, and those featuring cartoons or resembling items associated with minors.
In addition to stringent industry regulations, it is parents and guardians that play a critical role in keeping children safe from accidental cannabis exposures, and it is clear they must do better to ensure purchases are safely and securely locked up. Numerous reminders exist on legal products to remind consumers to keep marijuana out of children’s reach, including mandatory labels and universal symbols warning these are “Not Safe for Kids.”
Whether we are talking about young children or teenagers just getting a driver’s license, this is the first generation to grow up with legal cannabis. Adults must keep their cannabis products out of reach of young people and when age appropriate, speak with them about the risks of underage consumption. Conversation starters are available on our website, MoreAboutMJ.org.
Commissioner Kimberly Roy, Public Health Appointee to the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission
Quincy taxes
The City of Quincy is seeing another huge property tax increase, and we the taxpayers of this city have nothing to show for it. Tom Koch, the mayor of Quincy has been spending our money on frivolous spending such as the general bridge as well as the statues in front of city hall and we the taxpayers have no idea what they are costing us.
What really bothers me is that the city council has approved the way Koch is spending our money. I believe it’s time to replace the mayor as well as the police chief and start bringing revenue back to this city. This city also needs a new hospital as the mayor had our hospital replaced with more houses and condos that this city doesn’t need.
Charles Dennehey Jr
West Quincy
