2016 Presidential Election: Marijuana Question

John Buday, Visual Editor|November 1, 2016

Main Graphic for Marijuana Article

 

Question 4 on the State ballot has,
quite literally, been getting high onMarijuana Survey Results Graph
controversy this year alone.

Two different sides are set to clash
over the decision that could legalize
the use of recreational marijuana in
Massachusetts. Here are some
essential details to know going in:

 

 

Essential Facts:

If the law is passed:

  • People who are 21 or above will be able to use it, grow it, and possess it.
  • The parameters for possessing the substance are: you can hold up to 10 ounces in your home and can only have under an ounce in public.

Marijuana Properties:

  • Made up of chemicals called cannabinoids. The main one is THC, the cannabinoid that gives marijuana its brain-altering properties.
  • Cannabinoid CBD can reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
  • It has been known to impair brain development in the long term.
  • It has been linked to breathing problems such as daily coughs, phlegm and higher risks of lung infections.
  • Possibly linked with mental health problems like depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.

 

Timeline for 2016 Marijuana-related Events:

April:

– Members of CRMLA, MMPR and LEAP met in Boston for a convention supporting marijuana legalization (7th).
– Charlie Baker, Marty Walsh and other MA politicians formed a bipartisan organization to oppose marijuana legalization (14th).

July:

– Gravis Marketing for Jobs First conducted a study that says 51% of MA residents plan to vote against recreational marijuana while 41% plan to support it. The remaining 9% are undecided.

August:

– The DEA voted not to reclassify marijuana and placed it in the Schedule 1 category, which is one of the most restrictive (11th).
– 9th U.S. Justice Circuit Court of Appeals banned gun purchasing for former users of medical marijuana in 9 western states (31st).

October:

– A Pew study showed that 57% of U.S. adult citizens support marijuana
legalization and that 37% do not.