November 7, 2012

Six Districts Approve Marijuana Reform in 2012 Election

Voters in 44 towns pass Prohibition Repeal, Tax & Regulate Public Policy Questions

 

Arlington - For the seventh consecutive election cycle, voters in select State Representative and Senate districts delivered overwhelming victories on six marijuana reform Public Policy Questions.

 

Massachusetts passed a decriminalization referendum in 2008 with 65% approval, and established a medical marijuana law yesterday with 63% in favor.  This year Massachusetts voters also passed non-binding marijuana legalization Public Policy Questions in six districts.  Since 2000, voters have approved a total of 69 marijuana PPQ's around the state on reforms including decriminalizing possession, allowing medical use, and repealing prohibition on sales and taxation.  For 2012 voters in 44 towns took part in deciding 6 marijuana PPQ's.  

 

With the passage of binding marijuana legalization initiatives in Colorado and Washington, the 2012 election demonstrates coast-to-coast support for the regulation and taxation of marijuana.  The first states have now fully legalized marijuana on the west coast, while voters in Massachusetts have approved non-binding initiatives calling for similar laws to be passed.  Over 19% of the Commonwealth has voted in support of legalization PPQ's since 2000.  Support for marijuana legalization has reached the tipping point of electoral viability, and the passage of these legalization PPQ's shows that support for these laws is not limited to the West. 

 

Criminal prohibition has failed to prevent easy access by minors and fosters violent disputes between illegal distributors.  A regulated system of licensed distributors will enforce age limits and provide a new source of tax revenue for services like schools and roads.

 

A 2010 study by Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron estimated that the U.S. could save over $13.7 billion by implementing a system of regulated sales and taxation for marijuana. (see http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=12192) 

 

Jack A. Cole, co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, which represents 80,000 police, judges, prosecutors, prison officials and supporters, says, “This is no different than when we ended alcohol prohibition in 1933. The next morning Al Capone was out of business and we can do more to limit expansion and violence of drug cartels by legalization of marijuana than we could ever do with a war on drugs.”

2012 PPQ Election Results (complete results TBA)

 

For the 2012 election, a coalition of DPFMA, Masscann/NORML (www.masscann.org) and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (www.leap.cc) placed three PPQ's on the ballot, two Senate and one Rep. district:

 

"Shall the State Senator/Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana in the same manner as alcohol?"

 

2nd Middlesex Senate District – Senator Pat Jehlen.  Medford, Somerville, 27% of Cambridge, and 50% of Winchester: WIN 74% to 36%

 

Middlesex and Suffolk Senate District – Senator Sal DiDomenico.  Chelsea, Everett, 52% of Cambridge,  and the Allston and Charlestown sections of Boston: WIN 72% to 38%

 

2nd Berkshire State Representative District – Representative Paul Mark.   Greenfield, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Savoy, Windsor, Bernardston, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Leyden, Monroe, Northfield, Rowe, and 7% of Pittsfield: WIN 72% to 38%

 

Three additional PPQ's were placed on North Shore ballots by the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District Cannabis Club.  Voters in two Rep. districts and one Senate approved repeal of federal marijuana prohibition:

 

"Shall the state Senator/Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling upon Congress to repeal the federal prohibition of marijuana so that states may regulate it as they choose?"

 

1st Essex and Middlesex Senate District - Senator Bruce Tarr. Georgetown, Newbury, West Newbury, Hamilton, Wenham, Gloucester, Boxford, Essex, Groveland, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Rockport, Rowley, North Reading, Wilmington, and precincts 5 – 8  of North Andover:  WIN 65% to 35%

 

8th Essex State Representative District - Representative Lori Ehrlich. Marblehead, Swampscott, and precinct 4 of ward 3, and precinct 4 of ward 4  of Lynn: WIN 66% to 34%

 

22nd Middlesex State Representative District - Representative Marc Lombardo. Billerica: WIN 54% to 46% 

 

Complete Marijuana Legalization PPQ Results 2004 - 2010

These districts represent one-fifth of the Massachusetts electorate.  All cannabis legalization PPQs were approved by voters with no losses.  Percentage of "yes" votes in each district:

 "Shall the State Senator/Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana in the same manner as alcohol?"

2012        73.6%  2nd Middlesex Senate District – Medford, Somerville, 27% of Cambridge, and 50% of Winchester

2012        71.7%  Middlesex and Suffolk Senate District – Chelsea, Everett, 52% of Cambridge, and the Allston and Charlestown sections of Boston

2012        72%   2nd Berkshire State Representative District – Greenfield, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Savoy, Windsor, Bernardston, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Leyden, Monroe, Northfield, Rowe, and 7% of Pittsfield


 "Shall the state Senator/Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling upon Congress to repeal the federal prohibition of marijuana so that states may regulate it as they choose?"

2012        65.1%  1st Essex and Middlesex Senate District - Georgetown, Newbury, West Newbury, Hamilton, Wenham, Gloucester, Boxford, Essex, Groveland, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Middleton, Rockport, Rowley, North Reading, Wilmington, and (44%) of North Andover

2012        66.3%  8th Essex State Representative District - Marblehead, Swampscott, and precinct 4 of ward 3, and precinct 4 of ward 4 (7%) of Lynn

2012        53.5%  22nd Middlesex State Representative District - Billerica

 
 “Shall the State Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol?"

2010    66.3%  Barnstable, Dukes, & Nantucket State Representative District – Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gosnold, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, West Tisbury

2010    68.6%  1st Franklin Rep. District – 50% of Belchertown, Chesterfield, Conway Deerfield, Goshen, Huntington, Leverett, Montague, New Salem, Pelham, Shutesbury, Sunderland, Wendell, Whately, Williamsburg, Worthington

2010    69.1%  3rd Hampshire Rep. District – Amherst, Granby       

2010    62.1%  13th Middlesex Rep District, Rep. Thomas Conroy – Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland


“Shall the state representative/senator from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate the taxation, cultivation, and sale of marijuana to adults?”

2010    56.2%  7th Essex State Rep District - Salem

2010    56.4%  8th Essex State Rep District – Lynn, Marblehead, Swampscott

2010    63.1%  1st Middlesex and Norfolk Senate District – Brookline, Newton, and 57% of Wellesley
               
2010    54.2%  3rd Middlesex State Rep. District – Bolton, Hudson, Maynard, Stow

2010    54%    13th Norfolk State Rep. District – Dover, Needham and 50% of Medfield


"Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate the taxation, manufacture and sale of marijuana to adults 21 and older provided that outlets are state licensed, do not sell alcohol, and are not within 500 yards of a school?"

2004      58% vote in support  1st Hampshire State Rep District – Hatfield, Montgomery, Northampton, Southampton, Westhampton

Complete PPQ Election Results 2012

Allow sales and taxation of marijuana

 “Shall the State Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana in the same manner as alcohol?" (DPFMA, MassCann/NORML, LEAP)

2nd Middlesex Senate District

City or town	No	Yes
Cambridge	3,089	9,993
Medford	7,134	15,695
Somerville	6703	23650
Winchester	2,057	3,532
Total	18,983	52,870

(73.6% in favor)

 

 Middlesex & Suffolk State Senate

City or town	No	Yes
Boston	3,303	9,299
Cambridge	4,205	15,951
Chelsea	2,323	4,191
Everett	4,170	6,116
Total	14,001	35,557

(71.7% in favor)

 

2nd Berkshire State Representative

City or town	No	Yes
Bernardston	286	733
Charlemont	130	422
Colrain	200	544
Dalton	1,009	2,025
Greenfield	1,916	5,513
Hawley	46	132
Heath	109	235
Hinsdale	243	630
Leyden	103	309
Monroe	17	29
Northfield	427	995
Peru	74	310
Pittsfield	337	800
Rowe	51	140
Savoy	90	212
Windsor	144	292
Total	5,182	13,321

 (72% in favor)

Repeal federal marijuana prohibition

 "Shall the state Senator/Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling upon Congress to repeal the federal prohibition of marijuana so that states may regulate it as they choose?" (6^th District Cannabis Club)

1st Essex & Middlesex State Senate

City or town	No	Yes
Boxford	1,844	2,751
Essex	519	1,173
Georgetown	1,411	2,916
Gloucester	4,431	8,778
Groveland	1,418	2,051
Hamilton	1,582	2,468
Ipswich	2,534	3,854
Manchester	1,053	2,063
Middleton	1,657	2,375
Newbury	1,412	2,708
North Andover	2,732	3,817
North Reading	3,134	4,329
Rockport	1,271	2,723
Rowley	753	2,356
Wenham	851	1,298
West Newbury	790	1,626
Wilmington	4,472	6,085
Total	31,864	53,371

(65.1% in favor)

 

8th Essex State House3,371

City or town	No	Yes
Lynn	449	1,471
Marblehead	3,581	7,128
Swampscott	2,321	4,500
Total	6,351	13,099

(66.3% in favor)

 

22nd Middlesex State House

City or town	No	Yes
Billerica	7,726	8,920
Total	7,726	8,920

(53.5% in favor)

 

Complete PPQ Election Results 2010

Allow physician-approved medical marijuana

“Shall the State Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow patients, with their doctor's written recommendation, to possess, grow, and purchase marijuana for medical use?” (DPFMA)

2nd Bristol Rep. District, Rep. Bill Bowles (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Attleboro	4,256	6,560	10,816	60.7%
Total	4,256	6,560	10,816	60.7%

14th Bristol Rep. District, Rep. Elizabeth Porrier (R)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Attleboro	512	739	1,251	59.1%
Mansfield	995	1,559	2,554	61.0%
North Attleborough	3,689	5,745	9,434	60.9%
Norton	593	909	1,502	60.5%
Total	5,789	8,952	14,471	60.7%

1st Hampden State Representative District Rep. Todd Smola (R)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Brimfield	668	822	1,490	55.2%
Holland	347	548	895	61.2%
Palmer	1,817	2,116	3,933	53.8%
Sturbridge	1,568	2,107	3,675	57.3%
Wales	250	426	676	63.0%
Ware	921	1,099	2,020	54.4%
Warren	645	876	1,521	57.6%
Total	62166	7,994	14,210	56.3%

9th Norfolk Rep. District, Rep. Richard Ross (R)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Medfield	1,124	1,344	2,468	54.5%
Millis	373	661	1,034	63.9%
Norfolk	1,588	2,516	4,104	61.3%
Plainville	1,167	1,835	3,002	61.1%
Walpole	376	520	896	58.0%
Wrentham	1,723	2,684	4,407	60.9%
Total	6,351	9,560	15,911	60.1%

13th Worcester Rep. District, Rep.  Robert Spellane (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Paxton	850	1,017	1,867	54.5%
Worcester	4,262	6,257	10,519	59.5%
Total	5,112	7,274	12,386	58.7%

18th Worcester Rep. District, Rep. Jennifer Callahan (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Bellingham	2,160	3,645	5,805	62.8%
Blackstone	1,067	1,867	2,934	63.6%
Millville	377	676	1,053	64.2%
Sutton	1051	1645	2,696	61.0%
Uxbridge	1,414	2,163	3,577	60.5%
Total	6,069	9,996	16,065	62.2%

Allow physician-approved medical marijuana

“Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow patients with their doctor’s recommendation, or such patient’s registered caregiver, to possess and grow marijuana for the patient’s medical use?" (Masscann/NORML)

2nd Plymouth State Rep. District, Rep. Susan Gifford (R)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Bourne	1,548	1,921	3,469	55.4%
Carver	1,946	2,316	4,262	54.3%
Wareham	3,302	3,993	7,295	54.7%
Total	6,796	8,230	15,026	54.8%

3rd Plymouth State Rep. District, Rep. Garrett Bradley (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Cohasset	1,368	1,987	3,355	59.2%
Hingham	4,716	5,637	10,353	54.4%
Hull	1,598	2,704	4,302	62.9%
Scituate	531	763	1,294	59.0%
Total	8,213	11,091	19,304	57.5%

15th Suffolk State Rep. District, Rep. Jeffery Sanchez (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Boston	2822	7177	9,999	71.8%
Brookline	299	718	1,017	70.6%
Total	3,121	7,895	11,016	71.7%

 

Allow sales and taxation of marijuana

“Shall the State Representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol?" (DPFMA)

Barnstable, Dukes, & Nantucket State Representative District, Rep. Eric Turkington (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Aquinnah	59	145	204	71.1%
Chilmark	163	353	516	68.4%
Edgartown	571	1,087	1,658	65.6%
Falmouth	2,355	3,840	6,195	62.0%
Gosnold	?	?	?	?
Nantucket	1,382	3,050	4,432	68.8%
Oak Bluffs	659	1,224	1,883	65.0%
Tisbury	556	1,225	1,781	68.8%
West Tisbury	325	1,009	1,334	75.6%
Total	6,070	11,933	18,003	66.3%

1st Franklin Rep. District, Rep. Stephen Kulik (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Belchertown	797	1,478	2,275	65.0%
Chesterfield	147	340	487	69.8%
Conway	273	618	891	69.4%
Deerfield	736	1,317	2,053	64.2%
Goshen	151	282	433	65.1%
Huntington	284	507	791	64.1%
Leverett	205	712	917	77.6%
Montague	909	1,886	2,795	67.5%
New Salem	150	267	417	64.0%
Pelham	128	501	629	79.7%
Shutesbury	212	642	854	75.2%
Sunderland	422	814	1,236	65.9%
Wendell	71	334	405	82.5%
Whately	239	487	726	67.1%
Williamsburg	322	811	1,133	71.6%
Worthington	165	381	546	69.8%
Total	5,211	11,377	16,588	68.6%

3rd Hampshire Rep. District, Rep. Ellen Story (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Amherst	1,827	5,268	7,095	74.2%
Granby	1,239	1,575	2,814	56.0%
Total	3,066	6,843	9,909	69.1%

13th Middlesex Rep District, Rep. Thomas Conroy (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Lincoln	421	930	1,351	68.8%
Sudbury	2,993	4,476	7,469	59.9%
Wayland	2,085	3,611	5,696	63.4%
Total	5,499	9,017	14,516	62.1%

 

Allow sales and taxation of marijuana

“Shall the state representative/senator from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate the taxation, cultivation, and sale of marijuana to adults?” (Masscann/NORML)

7th Essex State Rep District, Rep. John Keenan (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Salem	5,361	6,877	12,238	56.2%
Total	5,361	6,877	12,238	56.2%

8th Essex State Rep District, Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Lynn	644	722	1,366	52.9%
Marblehead	3,999	5,185	9,184	56.5%
Swampscott	2,608	3,471	6,079	57.1%
Total	7,251	9,378	16,629	56.4%

1st Middlesex and Norfolk Senate District, *Senator Cynthia Creem (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Brookline	4,255	10,431	14,686	71.0%
Newton	11,842	19,131	30,973	61.8%
Wellesley	3,134	3,334	6,468	51.5%
Total	19,231	32,896	52,127	63.1%

3rd Middlesex State Rep. District, Rep. Kate Hogan (D)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Bolton	1,020	1,132	2,152	52.6%
Hudson	3,372	3,689	7,061	52.2%
Maynard	1,715	2,379	4,094	58.1%
Stow	1,398	1,686	3,084	54.7%
Total	7,505	8,886	16,391	54.2%

13th Norfolk State Rep. District, (open seat)

Town	No	Yes	Total Votes	Yes %
Dover	1,274	1,343	2,617	51.3%
Medfield	1,121	1,606	2,727	58.9%
Needham	5,906	6,784	12,690	53.5%
Total	8,301	9,733	18,034	54.0%

As reported by Boston Globe

 

Election Results - November 2008

Public Policy Question – Allow physician-approved medical marijuana

“Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow seriously ill patients, with their doctor's written recommendation, to possess and grow small amounts of marijuana for their personal medical use?”

 1^st Middlesex Representative District (R – Robert S. Hargraves)

Town	Yes	No	Total Votes	Yes %
Ayer	2,289	847	3,136	73%
Dunstable	1,032	443	1,475	70%
Groton	4,293	1,333	5,626	76%
Pepperell	4,353	1,506	5,859	74%
Townsend	3,418	1,289	4,707	73%
District Total	15,385	5,418	20,803	74%

21^st Middlesex Representative District (D – Charles A. Murphy)

Town	Yes	No	Total Votes	Yes %
Bedford	5,033	1,678	6,711	75%
Burlington	7,863	3,667	11,530	68%
Wilmington	1,250	563	1,813	69%
District Total	14,146	5,908	20,054	71%

13^th Norfolk Representative District (D – Lida E. Harkins)

Town	Yes	No	Total Votes	Yes %
Dover	2,268	849	3,117	73%
Medfield	2,373	863	3,236	73%
Needham	11,709	4,406	16,115	73%
District Total	16,350	6,118	22,468	73%

 6^th Plymouth Representative District (R – Daniel K. Webster)

Town	Yes	No	Total Votes	Yes %
Duxbury	4,186	1,612	5,798	72%
Halifax	1,280	467	1,747	73%
Hanson	3,513	1,509	5,022	70%
Pembroke	6,270	2,561	8,831	71%
District Total	15,249	6,149	21,398	71%