While the data points don’t exactly match — the most recent information available from the MVA is from 2013 with newer numbers expected later this year — the numbers show clear trends.
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a report of drug and alcohol related deaths within the state last week. In Worcester, 16 people died in 2015 from drug- and alcohol-related causes. Statewide, 1,259 people died from drug and alcohol intoxication in 2015, according to the report.
Of those, the report states, 86 percent involved opioids. Opioid-related deaths increased 23 percent between 2014 and 2015, and have more than doubled since 2010, according to the report.
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All substance abuse related deaths and injuries are sad, and preventable.
We know that almost 100% of those involved had some prior involvement with marijuana earlier in life. Yet O'Malley took steps to reduce enforcement. Almost all police reports we see that involve more serious drugs also make reference to the presence or use of marijuana in the car or residence.
Suddenly everyone and his brother is rushing to contend for a state sponsored franchise to grow and sell 'medical marijuana' because apparently the general public has been living with untold pains that can only be treated with weed!
There may be a small number of patients where marijuana in some form provides relief other substances cannot. Let's take an objective, science based look at that and afford them some relief based on fact.
But suddenly we find that our state needs to license a number of weed farms to treat these few? Get real!
I agree that most established potheads have a source already. But like it or not the opoid customers have grass, and other prescribed or street substances in their history. They stepped up to the opoids/heroin to get a more intense experience.
My contention is that more weed access will inevitably create more opoid customers and opoid deaths. The evidence is clear but the profiteers and potheads have other motives.
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