Stoneham Coalition Urges NO Vote on Article 17

The Stoneham Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Community (Coalition) opposes removing the language of the current town bylaw and encourages the town to vote no on Article 17 at Stoneham’s Special Town Meeting on October 17.

Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Stoneham Town Code Chapter 20 by deleting sections 20-125 and 20-126 in their entirety. . .
Section 20-125. Definitions Non-Medical Marijuana Establishment: A non-medical marijuana establishment shall include all types of marijuana establishments as defined in Mass. Gen. L. c. 94G , exclusive of facilities that are licensed for medically prescribed purposes, to include marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers or any other type of licensed marijuana-related businesses. Section 20-126. Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed. Consistent with Mass. Gen. L. c. 94G, §3(a)(2), all types of non-medical marijuana establishments as defined in Mass. Gen. L. c. 94G §1(j), to include marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers or any other type of licensed marijuana-related businesses shall be prohibited within the Town of Stoneham. Or do anything in relation thereto.

Such deletion of these two sections of Town by-laws in effect paves the way for recreational marijuana dispensaries to be sited in Stoneham. When these by-laws were enacted in 2018, the Coalition joined community partners to advocate for adding this language, successfully banning adult recreational sales of non-medical marijuana within Stoneham town limits, and defeating efforts to allow delivery of marijuana into the town limits. The Stoneham Coalition advocates to maintain the ban of non-medical (recreational) marijuana in Stoneham to reduce access to the community’s youth and reduce overall substance use.

In the past 9 years, the Stoneham Coalition has strengthened as a force for change amidst distinct challenges. Powerful and enthusiastic leaders in Stoneham from multiple sectors first united with concerns and commitment to reduce alcohol and other drug use. Having experienced a surge in substance use, the Stoneham Coalition officially organized in November 2013 to build capacity and formulate strategies to create change. Substance misuse has affected many families in Stoneham as teens have been impacted by unsafe and illegal consumption of substances including increased marijuana use.

• 20% of Stoneham High School students reported past 30-day (current) use of marijuana
• 33% of 12th grade students
• 19% of 11th grade students
• 16% of 10th grade students
• 11% of 9th grade students

• 40% got it from a friend
• 36% bought it from someone else
• 12% got them some other way

• High School students perceived smoking marijuana once or twice a week as least risky, with 21% reporting that they believe there is no risk to smoking marijuana once or twice a day.
• Furthermore, nearly 2 out of 5 of Stoneham High School students (39%) do not perceive parental disapproval for marijuana use.

There are three marijuana dispensaries within five miles of Stoneham. These developments have tremendously increased risk factors for all youth in Stoneham. Bringing marijuana retail to Stoneham would increase risk factors by creating widespread availability, greater marijuana outlet density, and greater exposure to marketing. Youth who use marijuana can have a greater risk of using alcohol and other drugs. Marijuana negatively affects the community by increasing the risk of impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana is harmful to brain development and can be addictive for underage users and lead to negative health consequences.

Our Mission: The Stoneham Coalition seeks to address substance use, addiction, and their root causes through education, advocacy, and support.
Our Vision: The Stoneham Coalition envisions a safe and healthy community – one that embraces substance use prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery.
Visit stonehamcoalition.org to learn more.