With Focus on Kids And Edibles, School Nurses Oppose Question 4
BOSTON – The Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO) has voiced their opposition to Question 4, raising particular concerns about the dangerous edibles market and the impact of legalization the commercial marijuana industry on kids.
The MSNO represents thousands of school nurses in communities across the Commonwealth. Their mission is to promote quality school health services throughout the Commonwealth.
The creation of the dangerous edibles market is a major component of Question 4. Edibles include highly potent THC-infused cookies, candies and sodas. These products will be marketed and sold in Massachusetts under Question 4, and some reports have them already accounting for nearly 50% of the marijuana sales in Colorado. Children’s Hospital Denver has reported an increase in children being treated in their emergency room for accidental ingestion since legalization.
“As we are charged with ensuring the safety of Massachusetts children in our schools, the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization urgently opposes the ballot measure to regulate and tax marijuana,” the MSNO said in statement. “Like many doctors, public officials, and parents, we fear not only for the health of those of age who would use the drug legally – but also for that of school-aged children who may be deceived by marijuana edibles, misleading packaging, and an industry that markets heavily towards young people.”
ONL Massachusetts joins an unprecedented, bi-partisan coalition of community leaders as well as health care, public safety, business, anti-addiction, and child protection advocates who are opposing Question 4.
Other groups who are opposing Question 4 include:
- Massachusetts Hospital Association
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- Massachusetts Municipal Association
- Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals
- Associated Industries of Massachusetts
- Retailers Association of Massachusetts
- Association of School Superintendents
- Construction Industries of Massachusetts
- Action for Boston Community Development
- Association for Behavioral Healthcare
- National Association of Mental Illness (Massachusetts Chapter)
- Massachusetts Chiefs of Police
- Massachusetts Sheriffs Association
- all Massachusetts District Attorneys
Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Attorney General Maura Healey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, 120 legislators and many other elected leaders have come out in opposition to Question 4.