Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2012
Source: Patriot Ledger, The  (Quincy, MA)
Copyright: 2012 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.patriotledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1619
Author: Sara Feijo

KOCH, MORRISSEY URGE REJECTION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA QUESTION

BOSTON - Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch is staunchly opposed to the medical 
marijuana initiative on the Nov. 6 state ballot.

"This bill is fraud, with nothing but problems," Koch said Monday 
afternoon, speaking during a press conference outside the State 
House. "It's reckless. I urge the people in my city to vote 'no' on 
(ballot) Question 3."

Koch and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey talked 
about why the initiative is not a proper route to compassionate healthcare.

The proposed law would eliminate criminal and civil penalties for use 
of medical marijuana by qualifying patients.

If someone with a medical card was seen carrying marijuana, law 
enforcement personnel would not be able to take action against that 
person, Morrissey said. Yet they can charge an 18-year-old who is 
carrying beer, he said.

"The message that we're sending is the wrong message," Morrissey said.

Koch said Quincy could be targeted for medical marijuana treatment 
centers, and that he would be unable to control their locations.

State Sen. John Keenan, D-Quincy, state Rep. Martin Walsh, D-Boston, 
Dr. Jay Broadhurst, chairman of MaVoteNOonQuestion3.com, and Heidi 
Heilman, president of the Massachusetts Prevention Alliance, also 
spoke during the press conference.

Several people held signs for MaVoteNOonQuestion3.com, while Question 
3 supporters passed out fliers.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom