LETTER: 'Vote Yes To Ban Recreational Pot In Milford'

MILFORD, MA—Letter as submitted to Patch:

Recreational marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts. As of last Dec. 15, anyone over 21 can grow it, smoke it and eat it, all in the privacy of their own home. Hey, to each his own, as they say. We all have vices. Some enjoy cigarettes, others a drink. Some argue that recreational marijuana is just one more adult indulgence and a harmless one at that.

I beg to differ.

Take edibles for example. Even with the strictest packaging and labelling requirements, once out of the package, all gummy bears, brownies and cookies look alike. How does a child distinguish these ‘snacks’ from the ‘snacks’ their parents have always given them? Are the days of homemade brownies in a school lunch bag over? How are teachers to police recess or the cafeteria at lunchtime?

As a state, Massachusetts might be blazing a new trail, but the new law allows us to determine whether or not we want recreational pot shops here in Milford. True, we cannot reverse the statewide vote. My concerns with edibles will still exist, but if Milford votes to allow recreational pot shops in our community, what message does that send our youth?

Please join me in voting YES to ban recreational pot shops on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Letter submitted by Cathy Mitchell, Milford