illegal drugs - NewBostonPost

Maura Healey

Opioid battle takes a new direction thanks to local police

BOSTON – As opioids are killing Massachusetts residents at an alarming rate, the state's top leaders like Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey, a Democrat, have encouraged local law enforcement agencies to pick up their efforts against drug abuse. Several agencies have taken the fight beyond

Massachusetts

Marijuana legalization in Colorado may be hurting poor

BOSTON – Reports about the disproportionate impact of the legal marijuana industry on minority and low-income neighborhoods and families deserve a closer look, according to Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, who so far has focused his opposition to the legalization ballot question on its health impacts. A recent Politico Magazine cover

Massachusetts

Second pot doc suspended, raising enforcement questions

BOSTON – State regulators have reportedly suspended a second Massachusetts physician over prescribing medical marijuana, saying that more than 4,600 of the certificates needed to obtain the drug legally were issued in his name. That means suspended Dr. Tyrone S. Cushing, a Newton resident, accounted for more than 15 percent

marijuana

Fatal car crashes tied to pot doubled after legalization

BOSTON – A new report analyzing vehicular accidents in Washington found that the number of fatal crashes involving drivers who recently used marijuana doubled after the state legalized the drug in 2012 giving new ammunition to legalization opponents in Massachusetts, where a recent poll showed voters split on the issue. The

driving

Scientific basis for laws on marijuana, driving questioned

WASHINGTON (AP) — Motorists are being convicted of driving under the influence of marijuana based on arbitrary state standards that have no connection to whether the driver was actually impaired, says a study by the nation's largest auto club. The problem is only growing as more states contemplate legalizing

Massachusetts

Baker fires back at marijuana campaign leaders

BOSTON – Labeled a "hypocrite" last week by advocates who said his stance on legalizing retail sales of marijuana is at odds with his position on alcohol, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker pointed out the dramatic differences between pot and alcohol in wine, beer and booze. "One is legal

marijuana

Canada plans to decriminalize marijuana next year, minister says

TORONTO (Reuters) – Canada's Liberal government will introduce legislation to decriminalize and regulate recreational marijuana in spring 2017, Health Minister Jane Philpott said on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised during last year's election campaign that his Liberals would legalize recreational marijuana, following the U.S.

Massachusetts

Edible pot in fruit, animal shapes targeted by Colorado lawmakers

DENVER (AP) — Pot-infused lemon drops and other marijuana edibles that resemble fruits could be coming off Colorado shelves, the latest front in a battle by lawmakers to eradicate retail pot products that could appeal to kids. A committee in the state House of Representatives advanced the bill that also would