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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — “It feels like I’m being slapped,” Mary, a 68-year-old medical marijuana user, said.
She is a patient at In Good Health in Brockton, and is among medical marijuana users in Massachusetts who aren’t happy with Gov. Charlie Baker’s recent ban on vaping products.
Many medical marijuana users say the ban limits their access to health care.
“I feel like a child that’s being disciplined,” Mary said. “If I had an infection, I’d expect to be able to go to the drug store and buy penicillin.So, [Gov. Baker is] pretty much saying ‘I am the father. You are a stupid child and you can’t decide what’s best for you and your health.”
Mary can still get medical marijuana, but says that smoking it isn’t the best option for her.
“I use vape pen because I can control the dosage,” Mary said. “You get a rolled joint, it’s excruciatingly expensive, much more expensive than on the black market, and it rips my throat apart.”
Gov. Baker Issues 4-Month Ban On Vaping Product Sales In Mass.
Mary thinks there should be concessions for those who use medical marijuana.
“You control the people who are selling these substances to children, and stop the children from smoking JUULs in school. Why are you picking on me?” Mary said.
She is also concerned the ban will put some dispensaries, like the one closest to her house, out of business.
Kathy Deschenes, of Westford, also relies on vaping medical marijuana.
“It gets rid of the pain. I’m able to sleep because I’m not in pain,” Deschenes told WBZ-TV.
According to WBZ-TV, marijuana edibles did not help Deschenes and she does not want to smoke weed. But now, vaping will not be available to her and she won’t be able to get the relief she needs.
“People who use medical marijuana are already dealing with a lot, and this almost feels like a punishment,” Deschenes told WBZ-TV. “It’s a big deal for a lot of people who need it. And I thought we lived in a kinder state for that.
WBZ NewsRadio's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports
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