Published in the May 30, 2018 edition
The following statement has been released by Sam Hammar, Democratic candidate for State Senate.
MELROSE — I’ve had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of folks since announcing my candidacy for State Senate earlier this year. When speaking with voters, common themes have emerged – the suffocating cost of living in Massachusetts, the need for better representation in politics, and clear lack of urgency on Beacon Hill. People are curious to know how I can address their needs and where I stand on the issues that matter to them – particularly marijuana.
Most of the voters I’ve spoken with are excited about the emerging cannabis industry and have voiced frustration about the obstruction they see at the state level. When I speak with voters who are less enthusiastic about the legalization of recreational cannabis, the concern I most often hear about is about safety. People are worried about the health risks associated with cannabis use, which is understandable given the lack of information that has come from our State House.
Our lawmakers have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to educate consumers about cannabis. If we want to see better outcomes for people in our communities, we need to have honest conversations that are framed around public health and rooted in evidence-based research. In other states where cannabis has been legalized, the departments of public health have used public service announcements and websites to teach residents about cannabis laws, safe use, and youth prevention. I fully expect that the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission will take the lead with this initiative, and I will fully support those efforts as a State Senator.
Yet, cannabis isn’t just a public health issue—it’s also an economic one. A thriving, well-regulated cannabis industry has the potential to generate additional jobs across sectors, including construction, manufacturing, research, and retail. It also has the potential to generate much-needed tax revenue for our cities and towns struggling to keep teachers and cops on the payroll. I believe our State Senate should play an active role in helping municipalities, businesses, and residents navigate this new terrain together, and I’m ready to take on that responsibility.
As this industry emerges, the barrier to entry for the cannabis industry has to be lowered enough so that economic opportunity can be shared. We should level the playing field by supporting entrepreneurs who need access to startup capital and training just to enter the market. We also have to invest in business owners whose communities have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana enforcement. I support the MCCC’s Priority Certification program, I hope to see additional programs aimed at enabling economic empowerment in these communities.
Another step I wholeheartedly support is the new Criminal Justice Reform law, which allows for the expungement of criminal records related to the possession of cannabis. States that have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use (including Massachusetts) have seen declines in cannabis arrest rates overall but continue to observe racial disparities in arrests. Black and white residents of Massachusetts use marijuana at similar rates, however, the 2016 arrest rate of black people for marijuana possession offenses was about four times that of white people. The arrest rate for selling or cultivating marijuana was seven times higher. The CJR law is a move in the right direction, but there is still much work left to do in restoring opportunity and dignity to those penalized for cannabis-related offenses.
Cannabis is here to stay, and it’s incumbent on our leaders to enact the will of the people rather than obstruct it. As a Massachusetts State Senator, I will actively work to develop, and if necessary refine, evidence-based, progressive, consumer-focused cannabis policy. I will work collaboratively with my fellow legislators, the Cannabis Control Commission, public health professionals, and representatives from industry to promote the health, prosperity, dignity, and rights of people across the Commonwealth.
