Boston Mayor Willing To Lead Charge Against Legalized Marijuana
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he's more than willing to lead the charge against the legalization of pot in Massachusetts.
Supporters of legalized marijuana are working to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide in 2016.
Walsh told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Monday that making pot legal would be a "slippery slope."
"Not everyone that smokes marijuana becomes an addict," said Walsh, who is a recovering alcoholic. "But most of the folks that I know that are having issues with drugs started with marijuana."
Four states currently allow for recreational marijuana use, while the Bay State has legalized pot for medicinal purposes only.
"People are trying to make arguments about drug dealing will be reduced and a whole host of other issues," Walsh said. "But if you look at what happened in Colorado, drug dealing didn't go down."
He also questions if it's hypocritical to spend money on anti-tobacco campaigns while at the same time supporting legalized pot.
"We're promoting that it's OK to smoke," Walsh said.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley have also said they're opposed to the legalization of marijuana.
"I feel strongly about it," Walsh said. "This isn't about playing politics, this is about saving lives."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports: