Other state questions
Gloucester Times Nov 3
Question 2 would replace the existing criminal penalties for marijuana possession with a system of civil penalties for those found to have an ounce of less on their person. We agree with Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, others in the law-enforcement community, health professionals and educators who say this would send a terrible message to our youth.
Vote Yes on Question 2
Bay State Banner Oct 9
Possession of even a small amount of marijuana is a crime, but that doesn’t discourage many Massachusetts citizens from pocketing a little toke for later.
Column: Question 2 passes muster of Q&A claims
Telegram & Gazette – Nov 3
By Clive McFarlane – Question 2, then, appears to be a more reasonable approach to dealing with marijuana use.
Be sensible; vote ‘yes’ on Question 2
Lowell Sun – Nov 3
Of all the arguments against Question 2, which would effectively decriminalize possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, one of the most tired and thread-bare is the issue of “sending the wrong message to young people.
Letters to the editor
The Enterprise – Nov 2
I find it rather hypocritical to denounce the merits of marijuana while … If marijuana is legalized, police departments will lose funding for the war on …
Letter: Pot realities elude our law officials
Berkshire Eagle – Nov. 2
Perhaps our local masters of the universe District Attorney David Capeless, Sheriff Carmen Massimiano Jr. and their attendant throng of police officials should look to our
EDITORIAL: Confounded on Question 2
North Adams Transcript Nov 1
Letter: Marijuana users are not criminals
Berkshire Eagle – Nov. 1
In his column “State is going to pot” (op-ed, Oct. 29), the Boston Globe’s Adrian Walker stated that passing Question 2 will not solve any problems while posing difficulties
Letter: Vote ‘yes’ on Question 2 to unburden our children
Cape Cod Times – Nov 1
OUR OPINION: Our choices
The Patriot Ledger Nov. 1
Question 2 just goes too far for an activity that affects, by even supporters’ best estimates, roughly 12 percent of the state’s residents. …
Editorial: No to all the ballot questions; just vote!
Allston-Brighton Tab – Oct 31
No on Question 2. As proposed, this law would replace criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with citations.
Letter: Laws unfairly treat kids as criminals
Berkshire Eagle – Oct 31
Nowhere is this more clear than the laws against the possession of marijuana in private personal use.” — Jimmy Carter. For our family, this is personal. …
Letter: Vote no on Question 2
Carver Reporter – Oct 31
The Economist magazine has called Question 2 the most radical marijuana ballot initiative in our country. The reality is that one ounce of marijuana is …
Do you really want teens having easier access to pot?
West Roxbury Transcript – Oct 31
Passage of Question 2 will decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana and replace criminal sanctions with a fine. …
Our endorsements
Nashoba Publishing – Oct 31
Replace criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. Yes, the legal system has far more serious matters to contend with.
Vote no on Question 2
Michael O’Keefe, District Attorney, Cape & Islands District
Barnsatble Patriot Oct 31
Voters will choose between our current laws or the radical agenda of national marijuana proponents whose end goal is legalization of the drug. …
Letter: Rational pot policy
Boston Herald Oct 31
By Robert Meenan I applaud Gov. Deval Patrick for drawing attention to the personal and public health implications of drug abuse…
Our view: No on Questions 1, 2 and 3
Eagle Tribune – Oct 31
Do you really want teens having easier access to pot?
West Roxbury Transcript – Oct 31
Passage of Question 2 will decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana and replace criminal sanctions with a fine. …
Editorial: Massachusetts Ballot Initiatives
The MIT Tech – Oct 31
This question would replace existing criminal penalties for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana with civil penalties of $100. …
Column: DA says vote no on Question 2; do not decriminalize marijuana
Andover Townsman – Oct 30
COMMENTARY: Consider real facts about marijuana
Hingham Journal Oct 30
The reality is that one ounce of marijuana is equivalent to about 50 … Over 80 percent of the funding for the proponents of Question 2 comes from one man …
Letter: Stop the theft of time
Cape Cod Times – Oct 30
By Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings
Letters to the editor for Oct. 30
The Enterprise Brockton – Oct 30
The reality is that one ounce of marijuana is equivalent to about 50 cigarettes and can be easily used for distribution to youth at our
OPED: Support public health: Vote Yes on Question 2
Allston-Brighton TAB – Oct 30
Dr. Robert Meenan is dean of Boston University’s School of Public Health
Question 2 creates a civil penalty system for personal possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. In plain English, it replaces arrest and booking for …
Letter: Mass. police chiefs condemn pro-marijuana ads
Saugus Advertiser – Oct 30
Marijuana proponents, who have been funded largely by the out-of-state drug … “National and state data all show that marijuana use among teens is down, …
OUR VIEW: Vote Yes on Question 2
Fall River Herald News – Oct 30
Question 2 on the Massachusetts ballot, which would decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, making it a civil offense, is not a moral or …
Letter: DAs have it wrong on Question 2
Berkshire Eagle – Oct 30
I was quite interested to read the article, “Weed sparking lively debate,” in the Oct. 24 Eagle. I find the arguments put forth by District Attorney David Capeless and the
Point/Counterpoint: It ain’t easy being green
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian – Oct 30
When it comes to Massachusetts’ upcoming vote on marijuana decriminalization, I’ve got plenty. If you shopped at any of the Hadley supermarkets last fall or …
LETTER: No on Mass.’ Question 2: The right thing to do
Fall River Herald News – Oct 30
It is about time that we all come to accept that there is a culture of marijuana users who live without shame or dependence of their use. …
Letter: Chiefs: No on Question 2
The Landmark (Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland and Sterling) – Oct 30
As members of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, we encourage residents to vote no on ballot Question2. Every law enforcement agency, …
OUR OPINION: Question 2: A solution in search of a problem
The Patriot Ledger – Oct 29
We think, however, that Question 2 asking voters to decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of pot in order to relieve juveniles and adults of criminal …
EDITORIAL: Question 2: In search of a problem
Enterprise News – Brockton – Oct 29
… there certainly are more pressing issues than criminally prosecuting those who privately use marijuana. We think, however, that Question 2 asking voters …
Editorial: Decriminalize pot? No
Sun Chronicle – Attleboro – Oct 29
If only because of timing, ballot question 2 appears rather frivolous. Massachusetts, like the rest of the nation, is wrestling with what could become an economic crisis. So on Nov. 4, voters are being asked to decriminalize marijuana? You would find…
Letter to the editor: Vote ‘yes’ on Question 2 to rectify absurd drug stance
Gloucester Times – Oct 29
It is about time that we look at the question of drugs in a serious, intelligent manner.
Letter: Vote ‘No’ on Question 2
Dover-Sherborn Press – Oct 29
Question 2 will decriminalize the use and possession of one ounce of … This is , in my opinion, preposterous, and I urge you to vote NO on Question 2. …
Perspective: Vote ‘No’ on Question 2
Allston-Brighton TAB – Oct 28
Voters will choose between a steadily declining rate of marijuana use among teenagers and the message that drug use is safe and acceptable. …
Editorial: Question 2: Despite concerns, vote Yes
Belmont Citizen-Herald – Oct 28
By Staff reports Voting to decriminalize small quantities of marijuana might be seen as a difficult proposition and there are some legitimate concerns with …
My View: Plenty of good reasons to vote yes on Question 2
The Salem News – Oct 28
The election of 2008 holds promise of a sea change in Massachusetts politics with a close vote on Question 1 and a powerfully strong vote on Question 2. …
Letter: Dracut police chief urges ‘no’ vote on Question 2
Lowell Sun – Oct 28
As a member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, I encourage residents to vote “no” on ballot Question 2.
OP-ED: Vote no on Question 2
North Adams Transcript – Oct 27
…Economist magazine has called the most radical marijuana ballot initiative in the country. Passage of Question 2 will decriminalize marijuana use and turn possession of an ounce or less of marijuana into a $100 fine,
My View: Vote ‘no’ on Question 2 — for health, safety and our children
Gloucester Daily Times – Oct 28
The Question 2 initiative to make marijuana possession a civil offense, as opposed to a criminal matter, is being funded by out-of-state money, …
No on Question 2
Berkshire Eagle – Pittsfield – Oct 28
If those arrested for possession of marijuana were actually having their employment or school loans jeopardized and their lives ruined, there could be an …
Vote yes on Question 2
Justice (Brandeis) – Oct 28
A particularly balanced, reasoned and yet controversial proposal is Question 2, which would partially decriminalize marijuana possession in the commonwealth …
Our View: Questions 1-3: Vote no
The Salem News – Oct 27
Thus we would urge a no vote on Question 2, which would replace the existing criminal penalties for marijuana possession with a system of civil penalties …
Question 2 carries economic, social cost
Berkshire Eagle Oct 26
by David F. Capeless, Berkshire County district attorney
BOSTON GLOBE LETTERS – Oct 26
QUESTION 2Support it in spirit of rehabilitation
QUESTION 2Let current law stand
QUESTION 2Goal is to decriminalize
QUESTION 2Marijuana shouldn’t be illegal in the first place
No spurring the pot
Boston Globe – Oct 24
By Adrien Walker, .how fond we in Massachusetts are of our marijuana. However, I have been educated in recent…decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. In response, I have been called everything…friend. The movement to decriminalize marijuana is more popular than they – or I – ever…
THE CONS: Two sides of one leaf; hashing out the pros and cons of …
Winchester Star, MA – Oct 24
Question 2 on November’s ballot will decriminalize marijuana use and turn possession of an ounce or less of marijuana into a fine similar to a traffic …
THE PROS: Two sides of one leaf; hashing out the pros and cons of …
Winchester Star, MA – Oct 24
Question 2 does not legalize marijuana, just as the decriminalization of speeding did not legalize speeding. The only radical aspect is that, if approved, …
Letter: Many reasons to oppose legalization of marijuana
The Salem News, Oct 24
An ounce of marijuana is equivalent to about 50 cigarettes and can be easily used for distribution to youth at our schools. Under current law a first-time …
OUR VIEW: Question 2: A question of age and maturity
Standard –Times – New Bedford – Oct 24
The marijuana question on the state ballot has a problem unrelated to the main arguments against it. Beyond worries about marijuana being a gateway to …
Letter: Police against decriminalizing marijuana
Brookline Tab – Oct 24
I was never asked directly whether we supported Question 2, and if I had, … There are a lot of concerns and unknowns about Question 2, in our profession, …
Question 2 takes a hit
Berkeley Beacon (Emerson College) – Oct 23
What’s unfortunate is advocates of Question 2 have legitimate arguments against the conservative view that possession of marijuana is a criminal penalty. …
LETTERS: A look at the ballot questions
Mansfield News – Oct 23
Question 2seeks to reduce the penalties for possession and this is something I think we can all agree with. In fact let’s legalize it and tax it as much or
Editorial:Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
Danvers Herald – Oct 23
By Staff reports Possession of even the smallest amount of marijuana is illegal in all 50 states, and has been since 1938. That hasn’t stopped Americans …
I encourage residents to vote “NO” on ballot question two
Cape Cod Today – Oct 23
As law enforcement officials, we have seen generations of young people use marijuana as a gateway to harder drug use. Supporting this ballot question gives …
Vote No on Question 2: Marijuana myths fiction vs. facts
The Community Journal – Ashburnham & Westminster – Oct 23
Fiction: Massachusetts law harshly punishes first time offenders who are convicted of possessing marijuana. Fact: Massachusetts law requires that judges …
Leone and Brown: Question 2 is dangerous for our kids and …
Watertown TAB & Press – Oct 22
Leone and Brown: Question 2 is dangerous for our kids and communities
Marijuana reform right for Bay State
The Republican – Springfield – Oct 22
by The Republican Newsroom You have friends and family members and co-workers who have smoked marijuana. You may have even indulged a bit yourself back in …
Question Two: What about the children?
Metro Boston – Oct 22
By Mark Puleo
Here’s a bill that offers common sense for adults, with prevention and tougher penalties for minors — what a surprising balance. I’m sure it’s doomed.
No on Question 2
Boston Globe – Oct 21
is a poor solution to the problem…
Editorial: Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
Milford Daily News – Oct 21
Editorial: Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
MetroWest Daily News – Oct 21
Editorial: Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
Daily News Tribune – Oct 21
Possession of even the smallest amount of marijuana is illegal in all 50 states, and has been since 1938. That hasn’t stopped Americans from using the drug. …
COLUMN: A look at the ballot questions
Norton Mirror – Oct 20
That’s how much is currently spent arresting and prosecuting non-violent people who are caught …
Reefer Madness Continues
Boston Magazine – Oct 20
“The bottom line is that this sends a message that it’s OK to use marijuana …
Sitting In: Question 2: ‘A dangerous proposal for our kids and …
Melrose Free Press Oct. 19
For the first time in years we have some good news on drugs: Marijuana use … Question 2 on November’s ballot will decriminalize marijuana use and turn …
Letter: Hanna: Misleading voters about marijuana
Daily News Tribune – Waltham – Oct 19
Also in:
Metrowest Daily News – Framingham – Oct 19
Milford Daily News – Oct 19
The DA says marijuana is now 30 percent THC to scare voters and trick parents. How can we trust him on other matters when we catch him in this big lie? …
OP-ED Challenging the pot-smokers
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian – Oct 17
Marijuana decriminalization is, in fact, a social justice issue. It’s the largest contributor to arrests in the nationwide – and increasingly globalized …
Barbara Anderson: A reluctant ‘yes’ on Question 2
The Salem News – Oct 17
I and myself are having a conversation about Question 2, the initiative petition on the November ballot to decriminalize marijuana. …
Column: Casting a reluctant ‘yes’ on Question 2
The Eagle-Tribune Oct 16
By Barbara Anderson, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. Her column appears weekly in the Salem News and other Eagle Tribune newspapers; bi-weekly in the Tinytown Gazette; and occasionally in the Lowell Sun, Providence (RI) Journal and other newspapers.
COLUMN: Something to vote for
Amherst Bulletin – Oct 17
Question 2 replaces criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with citations similar to traffic fines. …
Op-Ed: Leone/Brown: Question 2 a slippery slope to increased drug use
Daily News Tribune – Waltham – Oct 10
For the first time in years we have some good news on drugs: Marijuana use among Massachusetts teens has declined significantly since 2001.
This Op-Ed also appears in the:
Melrose Free Press – Oct 19
Metrowest Daily News – Oct 10
Milford Daily News – Oct 10
Letter: Question 2: A dangerous proposal
Wakefield Observer – Oct 17
Letter: Question 2: A dangerous proposal
Stoneham Sun – Oct 16
DA: Don’t decriminalize marijuana
Hudson Sun – Oct 16
Burlington Union Oct 14
Editorial: Question 2 goes too far
Wicked Local – Saugus, Oct 16
Editorial: Question 2 goes too far
Wicked Local – Amesbury, Oct 13
Editorial: Question 2 goes too far
Wicked Local – Beverly, Oct 15
EDITORIAL: No on Question 2
Lowell Sun Oct 16
Some residents may be a bit confused as to exactly what Massachusetts Ballot Question 2 will do if approved by voters on Nov. 4. Question 2 proposes to decriminalize possession of one ounce or less of marijuana.
Holmes: Marijuana skirmish in the war on drugs
Daily News Tribune – Waltham – Oct 15
Marijuana is more addictive and more potent than ever, opponents repeat with “Reefer Madness” alarm. It’s a “gateway drug,” they are still saying,
Also in:
Metro West Daily News – Framingham – Oct 15
Milford Daily News – Oct 15
Daily News Transcript – Norwood – Oct 15
Posting comment at any one of these papers appears in all four.
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Editorial: Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
Newton Tab – Oct 15
We all know people who smoke pot. We may not know that they do, because they do it privately, but they do. They don’t flaunt it or abuse it. They believe it’s much like alcohol …
Editorial: Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2
Brookline Tab, Oct 15We all know people who smoke marijuana. We may not know that they do, because they do it privately, but they do. They believe it’s much like alcohol when …
EDITORIAL: A Fully Baked Proposal
Harvard Crimson – Oct 15
One of the measures on the ballot, Massachusetts Ballot Question 2, would partially decriminalize marijuana use by reducing criminal penalties on possession
LETTER: Question 2 can aid both offenders, state coffers
Cape Cod Times – Oct 13
LETTER Blowing smoke
Boston Herald – Oct 13
No’ on Question 2
Worcester Telegram – Oct 10
Proponents of Question 2, which would decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, are asking voters to take a triple leap of faith. …
LETTER: CORI’s bad trip
Boston Herald – Oct 10
By David Edwards, As a parent, I’m in full support of Question 2 (“Question 2 leads down slippery slope,” Oct….
EDITORIAL: A harmless initiative?
Cape Cod Times – Oct 9
Question 2 on the November ballot, which asks voters to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, is new wine in an old bottle. It’s time has not come.
LETTER: CORI madness
Boston Herald – Oct 9
By DeChantal Jordan
Contrary to the implications of your editorial, people possessing a small amount of pot are now arrested and booked…
LETTER: Question 2 dopiness
Boston Herald – Oct 8
By James W. Carnell, , Area A-1 representative Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association
The conundrum facing police if this foolishness passes is this: Under existing law, I can arrest people who are…
OPED: Predicting question 2 to go up in smoke
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian – Amherst – Oct 7
On this campus, the legal status of marijuana is apparently a hot-button issue. I have been solicited by hippies when I enter the Worcester Dining Commons …
LETTER:Booze no better
Boston Herald – Oct 6
By Dana Winsor
Clearly the debate regarding the decriminalization, or legalization, of marijuana amounts to reefer madness (“Question…
OPED: Question 2 poses no threat
Berkshire Eagle – Oct 6
By Peter Martin The front page article in the Sept. 18 Eagle notes “Marijuana proponents take on state attorneys.
OPED: Yes or no, each question needs answer
Berkshire Eagle – Oct 6
By Ruth Bass Everyone dislikes ballot questions. Without a scorecard, it’s often tough to figure out whether yes means yes or yes means no and vice versa. In addition, many ballot
@ Odds: Measure opens the door to more problems…
Boston Globe, Oct 5
By Gerry Leone and The Rev. Jeffrey Brown
FOR THE first time in years there is good news on drugs: Marijuana use among Massachusetts teens has declined significantly since 2001….
@ Odds: A responsible change to an unfair law…
Boston Globe, Oct 5
By Tom Kiley
BY ENDING the creation of permanent criminal records for minor marijuana offenders, dealing with juvenile marijuana use in a stricter yet more responsible way, and saving taxpayers an estimated $30 million a year, Question 2 will work for Massachusetts. . . .
EDITORIAL: Question 2 leads down slippery slope
Boston Herald – Oct 2.
Supporters of Question 2 get very prickly when anyone suggests their effort to decriminalize…
LETTER: High on Question 2
Boston Herald – Oct 2
I would never support the legalization of marijuana, just like the majority of the supporters of Question 2. But the Herald has decided to play politics and …
LETTER: Column got it right on pot issue
The Standard Times – Oct 2
If there is any violence connected to marijuana, it comes from its prohibition, not from its use. In 2000, Amsterdam encouraged pot smoking during its …
OPINION: In Mass., it’s a ‘green’ ballot
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian (U-Mass Amherst) Oct. 1
These days it seems like marijuana is causing tax payers to lose more money than brain cells. It is estimated that by decriminalizing possession of less …
OPINION: Going Green: An Alternative Culture Column
Tufts Observer Online Sept. 29
I originally approached the editor with a pitch for this column because I think marijuana and the culture that surrounds it is no longer at the fringes of …
ON LINE LETTER Powers-that-be might be wrong
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Sept. 29
So, the Massachusetts district attorneys oppose the pot ballot question (Telegram & Gazette, Sept. 18). Lets see: decriminalization of marijuana is a bad idea that will cost society dearly.
LETTER: Sense about pot
Boston Herald – Sept 30
By Whitney A. Taylor Regardless of what some of its proponents may personally support, Question 2 simply does not legalize marijuana – period (Sept. 24).
LETTER: Drug war keeps enforcers employed
The Standard Times – New Bedford – Sept 30
The guards know that ending marijuana prohibition would be the “gateway” to waking up Massachusetts to ending all prohibition. As with most questions in …
LETTER: Next step homegrown
Boston Herald – Sept 29
By Carl Hedberg While Question 2 is a step in the right direction, it still forces cannabis consumers to buy from unscrupulous and potentially dangerous …
OPINION: FLANAGAN: Is Massachusetts sending pot the way of drunkenness?
Attleboro Sun Chronicle, Sept. 26
Is history repeating itself? Or are BristolCounty‘s best known law-enforcement officials trying to use child psychology on the voters? The questions come to mind in the wake of a press conference last Friday, where District Attorney Sam Sutter, thre…
LETTER: High on support
Boston Herald, MA – Sept 26
By Madeline Webster
Massachusetts being bankrolled for Question 2 is the culmination of years of work…
OPINION: Questions of taxes and pot
Barnstable Patriot, MA – Sept 25
A Yes vote on Question 2 to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana makes all the sense in the world. The truth is that arresting and jailing …
MassCann to the man: put it in your bong, smoke it
Berkeley Beacon (EmersonCollege) – Sept 25
This initiative will officially appear as Question 2 on the November ballot in Massachusetts. Under current Mass. law, people charged with marijuana …
OPINION: Just say nope to banning dope
Berkeley Beacon (Emerson College) – Sept 25
The marijuana decriminalization initiative proposed by the Massachusetts-based Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy has been officially named Question 2 …
Pro Question 2
The Suffolk Journal (Suffolk University) – Sept 25
One of the biggest issues being pushed at the rally was Question 2, the marijuana measure. Supporters were handing out colorful literature, stickers, …
OPINION: Decriminalizing Marijuana
Comment (Bridgewater State) – Sept. 24
There is a ballot question coming up in this year’s election in Massachusetts asking whether you think marijuana should be decriminalized. …
EDITORIAL: No ‘Question’ about it
Daily Free Press (Boston Univ.) – Sept 22
… for “Question 2,” a proposition on the Nov. 4 ballot that would effectively decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts. …
OPINION: What is law enforcement smoking to oppose Question 2?
The Standard Time, New Bedford, SouthCoastToday.com, MA – Sept 20
By Jack Spillane
All the suits who make a living — monetarily, politically and otherwise — off the criminal marijuana laws were there the other day. …