Somerville mayor opposes marijuana law changes

By Nathalie Moskal

SOMERVILLE -- Mayor Joseph Curtatone has taken an aggressive stance against state efforts to decriminalize marijuana, despite strong support from city and state residents.

The proposal, Question 2 on the Nov. 4 ballot, would make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense with a $100 fine for people age 18 and older. Offenders younger than 18 would be required to complete a drug education program.

The current laws make possession of any amount of marijuana a criminal misdemeanor, which is punishable by jail time.

“We currently have an effective system that is not overly punitive,” Curtatone said.

Curtatone said the law change would particularly affect marijuana use among Massachusetts youth.

“I deal personally with these young people as a community leader and a sports coach, and I see the temptation in their eyes,” Curtatone said.

A recent survey by Suffolk University found 72 percent of those polled were in favor of Question 2.

Cory Mashburn, community coordinator of Somerville Cares About Prevention, says he thinks the proposal will pass.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of people who say they are voting yes,” Mashburn said.

But Mashburn remains divided on the possible effects of the new law.

”I do think less punishment makes marijuana seem more attractive,” Mashburn said. “But I think that if people see there is less of a challenge, using the drug actually becomes less interesting to them.”

Similar laws passed in 11 other states have concluded that decriminalization did not significantly affect marijuana use according to studies like that of Eric Single, in a 1989 issue of the Journal of Public Health:

"The available evidence indicates that the decriminalization of marijuana possession had little or no impact on rates of use . . . On the other hand, the so-called 'decriminalization' measures did result in substantial savings in the criminal justice system," Single wrote.

Massachusetts could save about $30 million a year being spent on small marijuana offenses, according to a report by Jeffrey Miron, Harvard economics professor.

But Curtatone is not so sure.

“The cost of dealing with increased use of marijuana would put greater strain on police and the municipalities,” Curtatone said. “We need laws to help solve problems, not create problems.”

Jim Lenkauskas, a consultant in Somerville, said he worries the law might encourage smoking in public.

“I’m not sure that it wouldn’t escalate marijuana use, but I really don’t think it’s right that such a small offense will stay with you for the rest of your life,” Lenkauskas said.

Somerville resident Bobby Bascomb said that the proposal should pass.

“I just don’t think it should be an offense for less than an ounce,” said Bascomb. “There are already enough people in jails and prisons.”

Mayor Curtatone remains firm in his campaign against the proposal.

“If they want to send the right message to our youth, they will shut this down,” Curtatone said.