“Belying their concern about the costs of intoxication-related emergencies and treatment, Baker and Walsh are both currently battling for more liquor licenses and longer drinking hours for Massachusetts. Already, roughly 50 percent of all automobile deaths in the state come from alcohol-related accidents. Massachusetts also racks up nearly 100 deaths from alcohol poisoning each year. (Contrasted with zero fatal marijuana overdoses.)
Former Governor Duval Patrick had proposed extending public transportation operating hours into the early morning to reduce drinking and driving. That step in the right direction was halted earlier this year due to the $14 million needed to carry forward. Is it crazy to think the expected sales tax on recreational marijuana (10 to 12 percent) could foot the bill for 24-hour public transportation?”