• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • NEWS+OPINIONS
    • NEWS TO US
    • COLUMNS
      • APPARENT HORIZON
      • DEAR READER
      • Close
    • LONGFORM FEATURES
    • OPINIONS
    • EDITORIAL
    • Close
  • ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
    • FILM
    • MUSIC
    • COMEDY
    • PERFORMING ARTS
    • VISUAL ARTS
    • Close
  • DINING+DRINKING
    • EATS
    • SIPS
    • Close
  • LIFESTYLE
    • CANNABIS
      • TALKING JOINTS MEMO
      • Close
    • WELLNESS
    • GTFO
    • Close
  • STUFF TO DO
  • TICKETS
  • ABOUT US
    • 5 DOUBLE-U’S
    • MASTHEAD
    • DISTRIBUTION
    • ADVERTISE
    • SUBMISSIONS
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • Close
  • BECOME A MEMBER

Dig Bos

The Dig - Boston's Only Newspaper

CURRENT STREET EDITION

DIG 23.02 – 1/28/21

MARIJUNDERDOGS: MASSCANN/NORML ENDORSES BAY STATE REPEAL LEGALIZATION INITIATIVE

Written by MIKE CANN Posted August 24, 2015 Filed Under: Blunt Truth, COLUMNS

Copy of NEW WEB HEAD TEMPLATE

 

Make no mistake about the battle of the dueling marijuana legalization ballot initiatives in Massachusetts. On one side, there is the underdog, Bay State Repeal (BSR), which wants to put in place the “least restrictive laws possible.” On the other side, there is the well-funded Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol (CRMLA).

 

In spite of the latter’s fundraising prowess, however, at the most recent MassCann/NORML members meeting, at which more than token social capital was on the line, BSR walked away with an early victory in what will likely be a long and brutal game of chicken.

 

At stake for the two campaigns: the institutional endorsement and enormous weight of a coveted thumbs-up from MassCann, the longest-running marijuana reform organization in Mass.

 

Representing BSR, an animated Steve Epstein explained that his group aims to treat cannabis as a right for adults, while CRMLA treats grass as a privilege that is only allowed under certain conditions. In response, CRMLA’s Will Luzier referred to the Department of Justice’s Cole Memorandum, which calls for stricter regulations in state cannabis commissions in order to keep federal authorities at bay. Smartly, Luzier also stated that his organization’s plans would in many ways improve upon the Colorado law, with less taxes and the option for cities and towns to allow clubs in which adults can congregate with cannabis in private spaces.

 

In the end, it wasn’t even close. MassCann/NORML members endorsed BSR’s campaign in a landslide, and supported several follow up motions to pledge institutional backing for the BSR signature drive at the upcoming Boston Freedom Rally. Furthermore, MassCann will provide social media assistance, as well as an expected $25,000 donation to the campaign should BSR need funding in September.

 

“Thanks to all in attendance, whether you voted yes on the 9 motions, abstained, or voted no,” Epstein wrote to his group’s email list announcing the endorsement, encouraging people to join their cause on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Speaking to Luzier of CRMLA after the meeting, he said, “We were happy to be invited to speak. I wasn’t surprised by the results but disappointed. BSR’s Steve Epstein is a founder of MassCann, so it’s not that surprising that they would find BSR’s philosophy more appealing.”

 

“We would still like to get their endorsement,” Luzier continued, indicating that the regulate-like-alcohol campaign will pursue the MassCann endorsement again if BSR fails to appear on the ballot. “We are about the same thing—ending prohibition—and would welcome their support.”

 

As for their own chances in the wake of MassCann’s decision, Luzier says, “We will be on the ballot, no question on that.” Still, he gives respect where it’s due. “That BSR sought support for social media and financial indicates that it was very important for them.”

 

Indeed it was. With MassCann/NORML’s endorsement and financial support, the BSR campaign can survive and potentially even thrive for the next couple of months, and maybe a little longer, with a far better chance of appearing on the ballot than it had just a few days ago.

MIKE CANN
More from author
  • MIKE CANN
    https://digboston.com/author/mike-cann/
    YES, WE CANN: HOW BAKER CAN REDUCE OPIATE ABUSE IN THREE EASY STEPS
  • MIKE CANN
    https://digboston.com/author/mike-cann/
    QUACKS AGAINST MARIJUANA: THE MASS MEDICAL SOCIETY STRIKES AGAIN
  • MIKE CANN
    https://digboston.com/author/mike-cann/
    MARIJUANA IGNORANCE, FROM THE GOP DEBATE STAGE TO BEACON HILL
  • MIKE CANN
    https://digboston.com/author/mike-cann/
    A PLEA FROM THE PIRATES: BENEVOLENT MASS POLITICAL PARTY NEEDS YOU!

Filed Under: Blunt Truth, COLUMNS Tagged With: Bay State Repeal, BSR, Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, CRMLA, dispensary, legal, legalization, Marijuana, Massachusetts, MassCann/NORML, medical marijuana

WHAT’S NEW

SPECIAL FEATURE: THE CRUEL AND USUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST LGBTQ+ PEOPLE IN MASS PRISONS

SPECIAL FEATURE: THE CRUEL AND USUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST LGBTQ+ PEOPLE IN MASS PRISONS

INBOX: GROUP CALLS FOR BIDEN TO ABOLISH POLICE MILITARIZATION PROGRAM

INBOX: GROUP CALLS FOR BIDEN TO ABOLISH POLICE MILITARIZATION PROGRAM

WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE CITY AND STATE TO FINALLY SUPPORT MINORITY BUSINESS?

WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE CITY AND STATE TO FINALLY SUPPORT MINORITY BUSINESS?

HOMEWORK FOR BEACON HILL’S COVID EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

HOMEWORK FOR BEACON HILL’S COVID EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

A FIREFIGHTER ELECTION

A FIREFIGHTER ELECTION

LEGISLATION AIMS TO HELP UNDOCUMENTED ATTAIN DRIVERS' LICENSES

LEGISLATION AIMS TO HELP UNDOCUMENTED ATTAIN DRIVERS’ LICENSES

Primary Sidebar

HEMPIRE FREEDOM PACK 25% OFF

FEATURED EVENT

Most Popular

  • SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE MASS STATE POLICE: TROOPER WILSON’S WAR by CHRIS FARAONE
  • DOES THE FORMER BPD COMMISSIONER EVEN LIVE IN BOSTON? by ZACK HUFFMAN
  • [UPDATE: WE GOT IT!] WHERE IS THE CONTRACT FOR MASSACHUSETTS’ VACCINE APPOINTMENT SOFTWARE? by POLINA WHITEHOUSE
  • BOSTON LATIN ACADEMY GRADS FIGHT FOR REPRESENTATION IN ALUMNI GROUP by CHRIS FARAONE
  • MASS KEEPS TRYING TO BUILD A NEW WOMEN’S PRISON OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC VIEW by DAN ATKINSON

READ CURRENT MEMBER EDITION

DIG Member 1.9 – 11/26/20

READ CURRENT STREET ISSUE

DIG 23.02 – 1/28/21

Footer

digbos

LGBTQ+ prisoners in Mass stand up to a violent sys LGBTQ+ prisoners in Mass stand up to a violent system that targets and dehumanizes vulnerable populations. https://digboston.com/special-feature-the-cruel-and-usual-violence-against-lgbtq-people-in-mass-prisons/ #prison #prisoner #humanrights #LGBT #politics #Massachusetts
Nominations now open! Vote for your favorite busin Nominations now open! Vote for your favorite businesses today. 

Are you a business? Are you the best at what you do? Encourage your fans to cast their votes! DM us to get our social media materials to promote your business and ensure your win. #bostontops #digboston
Bill sponsors, #Framingham mayor, and MA district Bill sponsors, #Framingham mayor, and MA district attorney will explain the Work & Family Mobility Act at a press conference. https://digboston.com/driving-families-forward-coalition-aims-to-help-undocumented-attain-drivers-licenses/ #politics #undocumented #immigration #driving #license #Massachusetts
Today at 4pm, cast your votes! #digboston Today at 4pm, cast your votes! #digboston
At a virtual summit, leaders sought to educate and At a virtual summit, leaders sought to educate and engage on the need for change. https://digboston.com/officials-advocates-speak-to-immigration-reform-and-economic-recovery/ #immigration #reform #economy #politics #Massachusetts
When it comes to special packaging and limited edi When it comes to special packaging and limited editions, Jack’s Abby and subsidiary Springdale out in Framingham are top players. https://digboston.com/video-unboxing-springdale-beers-limited-edition-neipa-music-box-set/ #beer #fun
Industrial Arts Brewing in NY’s Hudson Valley is Industrial Arts Brewing in NY’s Hudson Valley is well worth the look out of state ... https://digboston.com/video-pocket-wrench-by-industrial-arts-brewing-is-a-super-satisfying-session/ #beer #fun
Some who are civilly committed for #addiction in M Some who are civilly committed for #addiction in Mass face abusive #prison conditions. Still, some families say it’s better than the alternative https://digboston.com/the-commitments-addiction-treatment-behind-bars-in-massachusetts/ #treatment #Massachusetts
“Then this thing happened. I decided to pivot. I “Then this thing happened. I decided to pivot. It was probably my best shot at attracting some national attention to #Nebraska.” https://digboston.com/interview-with-rural-rebellion-author-ross-benes/ #interview #book #politics #USA #MAGA
Mark your calendars! Mark your calendars!
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Social Buttons

DigBoston facebook DigBoston Twitter DigBoston Instagram

Masthead

About

Submissions

Advertise

Privacy Policy

Customer Service

Distribution

About Us

DigBoston is a one-stop nexus for everything worth doing or knowing in the Boston area. It's an alt-weekly, it's a website, it's an e-mail blast, it's a twitter account, it's that cool party that you were at last night ... hey, you're reading it, so it's gotta be good. For advertising inquiries: [email protected] To reach Editorial: [email protected] For internship opportunities: [email protected]