Re “Legalized marijuana was wrong from the start. She supports its repeal” (Letters, July 27): The strongest argument for repeal in Cathy Putnam’s letter is actually an argument against Question 8.
Putnam is right that public marijuana smoking is obnoxious. It is also prohibited statewide. Yet Question 8 would repeal the law containing that ban while still allowing adults to possess up to an ounce. Cities and towns could keep local restrictions, but the closing of licensed stores would not improve enforcement.
Worries about use by youth and stronger products also favor regulation. Licensed retailers verify age, and products must be independently tested, sold in child-resistant packaging, and labeled for potency and dose. Unlicensed sellers face none of those requirements.
Past-month marijuana use among Massachusetts high school students fell from 24.5 percent in 2015 — the year before voters legalized recreational marijuana — to 18.6 percent in 2023. While many predicted there would be a surge in teen use following legalization, the data suggest otherwise.
Question 8 will not eliminate cannabis. It will eliminate regulated adult-use sales and push demand outside the system. This is a choice between regulated and unregulated. I am voting no.
Jason Reposa
Medway
The writer is chief executive of Good Feels, a cannabis and hemp company that makes non-inhalable cannabis products.