Brookline Releases Report On 'Marijuana Landscape' In Town

BROOKLINE, MA — The Town of Brookline has announced the release of a report designed to help residents, business owners and government officials better understand the landscape and impact of marijuana in Brookline.

The "2023 Marijuana Landscape Assessment" was produced by the nonprofit Health Resources in Action (HRiA), in collaboration with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services (BDPHSS). The assessment is a community-based study on the public health impacts of marijuana.

According to Town officials, the HRiA gathered and synthesized quantitative and qualitative data to understand the influence and impacts of marijuana, with a focus on youth, and identify priority areas, address health disparities, and establish intervention strategies as it relates to marijuana and other substance use.

"The Department of Public Health and Human Services will use this data to inform and design prevention strategies to reduce substance use in Brookline," said Sigalle Reiss, director of the BDPHHS.

Reiss continued: "Having a data-informed approach will allow the department to focus on effective strategies that increase protective factors and support Brookline youth to continue to make healthy choices and reduce substance use"

In November 2021, Brookline Town Meeting rejected an article that called for the establishment of a study committee to look at a variety of topics pertaining to marijuana and its impact on the town.

Instead, the issue was referred to the Advisory Council of Public Health (ACPH). The ACPH and BDPHHS were tasked with conducting a community-based study on the public health impacts of marijuana.

In 2022, HRiA, was brought in on the project. The Boston-based nonprofit provides research, evaluation, strategic planning and program support services around the country.

Town leaders now will use findings from the report to prioritize and plan health activities to prevent youth marijuana use and support intervention and treatment for those in need.

"The report outlines recommendations considering the Social Drivers of Health (SDoH) as they relate to substance use, as well as the levels of prevention and intervention possible using a public health approach," Town officials said in a statement.