Marijuana In Massachusetts: State Reps Seek Restrictions

MASSACHUSETTS — Five years after Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana, two state lawmakers have introduced measures that would limit its use.

State Rep. James O'Day, D-Worcester, filed a bill to raise the recreational usage age from 21 to 25, while a bill introduced by state Rep. Bradford Hill, R-Ipswich, would limit serving sizes, flavors and levels of THC — the psychoactive compound that makes marijuana users feel "high."

O'Day cited a desire to keep young people safe, The Berkshire Eagle reported — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marijuana "may harm the developing teen brain," which isn't fully developed until a person is in their mid-20s.

Meanwhile, Hill's bill seeks to target rising THC levels. The newspaper said that according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average amount of THC in marijuana was less than 4 percent, but by 2018 it has risen to above 15 percent.

Both proposals were discussed in a virtual hearing on Dec. 1, according to the Berkshire Eagle, and a mother said during the hearing that her teenage son was "seriously harmed" after using marijuana.

"Like many teens across Massachusetts, my teen was offered cannabis for the first time at a high school party," Hoggins said. "I love my child. It's heartbreaking to watch my child suffer and feel helpless."

Read more from The Berkshire Eagle.