The Health Foundation of Central Mass

68 I n 2016, in response to a ballot question to legalize recreational marijuana in the Commonwealth, e Health Founda- tion of Central Massachusetts joined the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Mas- sachusetts and a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, health care, public safety, business, substance use disorder, and child protection advocates in opposing the bal- lot question's passage. Massachusetts had already decriminal- ized marijuana possession in 2008 and le- galized marijuana use for medical purpos- es in 2012. Opponents feared that Ballot Question 4 would result in widespread commercial shops that would promote marijuana use despite the lack of evidence about the long-term impacts of recreation- al marijuana use. e ballot question, which was writ- ten by the marijuana industry, did not limit the number of commercial shops that would be allowed to open across the state. Opponents cited the need for more evidence from research and the results from other states' experience regard- ing the impact on health, workplace performance, and public safety before proceeding. e Health Foundation was espe- cially concerned about the impact marijuana edibles might have on chil- dren. Products like candy, chocolates, cookies, and sodas laced with mari- juana have great appeal for children. To support efforts to defeat Ballot Question 4, e Health Foundation contributed $100,000 to the cam- paign and actively lobbied against the ballot question's passage. e Health Foundation recognized that while the campaign might not be successful, it was still important to educate the public about the poten- tial risks of legalizing recreational marijuana. is funding represent- ed nearly a quarter of the funds raised by the Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts. Unfortunately, Ballot Question 4 passed with 53.7% "yes" votes and 46.3% "no" votes. Since legalization, marijuana sold in Massachusetts' dispensaries has increased in potency, with extracts presenting even stronger effects. Experts have noted that the concentrations of THC, the psycho- active component in marijuana, have increased dramatically over the years. Rates of marijuana use are also on the rise. A 2024 study conducted by Carne- gie Mellon University found that daily or near-daily marijuana use now outpaces sim- ilar levels of drinking in the United States. Researchers continue to study the health impacts of marijuana use. Many have noted a possible link between marijuana use and psychosis in youth, and there is a theory that marijuana may interfere with normal brain development during the teenage years and young adulthood. With time, the longer-term impacts of legalized recreational marijuana use in the region and beyond will become better understood. n Recreational Marijuana: Unknown Health Impacts Timeframe: 2016 Lead Organization: Campaign for a Safe and Healthy Massachusetts Total Amount Funded: $100,000 September 6, 2016 Health Founda-on of Central Massachuse4s Joins Growing Coali-on Opposing Ballot Ques-on 4 Contributes $100,000 to Campaign Against Commercial Legaliza

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