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April 27, 2017

St. Thomas More Society sponsors panel on legalized marijuana

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

St. Thomas More 1

SPRINGFIELD – About two-dozen people gathered for a panel discussion on the moral and legal implications of legalized marijuana at the Heidelberg Room at the Fort Restaurant in Springfield, Wednesday evening, April 26. The St. Thomas More Society, a Catholic organization, which promotes morals and the pursuit of truth in the legal profession, sponsored the discussion.

“Really our topic here tonight is what’s going to happen. We’re really in limbo,” said Thomas Day, the director of the St. Thomas More Society.

In November, voters passed ballot Question 4, which legalized marijuana for recreational use in Massachusetts. Adults over the age of 21 can possess up to 10 ounces of pot for recreational use and grow up to 12 plants at home. The law requires a three-member Cannabis Commission, which has not been appointed yet, to oversee the retail marijuana stores, which can open across the state in mid-2018.

“Our position is, it’s already done, it’s legalized. The commission hasn’t been appointed and it’s really anybody’s guess on how it’s going to be implemented,” Day said, referring to the overseeing of retail shops.

The panelists included Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni; Attorney David Mech; West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt; and Father James Nolte, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley.

Father Nolte, who is also an attorney, explained the position of the four bishops in Massachusetts, who urged voters to reject Question 4. The bishops and other faith leaders cited an increase in traffic fatalities in Colorado, after recreational marijuana was legalized, as well as the negative effect marijuana has on teenagers.

“The effects of alcohol are well known. The effects of marijuana are not well known,” said Father Nolte. “The question with pot is, is there an amount that’s morally acceptable? The bishops are arguing that because we don’t know the full effects of marijuana, the prudent amount for Catholics to use is none,” he added.

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni also publically spoke out against Question 4 before the election. He said he worries about the message that’s been sent to young people.

“Putting the stamp of approval of the adult community on marijuana, it gives the wrong message to our children and young people,” Gulluni told the group gathered.

He added he believes marijuana leads to the use of harder drugs.

“Rarely do you see someone go from zero to heroin. Secondly, the use of marijuana changes the brain chemistry and makes young people more prone to addiction,” he said.

The panel discussion also covered concerns over how police will be able to check for impaired driving and zoning laws in cities and towns.

Attorney David Mech, who owns Potco in Springfield, offered the opposing position of the benefits of legalized marijuana. West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt spoke about the uncertainty of the zoning of retail stores and local control.

Marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

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