Boston Trial Attorney John S. Scheft of Bellotti Law Group Wins Historic Appeal On MA Med Marijuana
/EINPresswire.com/Boston trial lawyer John Scheft of Bellotti Law Group leads charge for revamping of language on medical marijuana ballot question, SJC Justice orders Attorney General to rewrite with more clarity and specficity for Massachusetts voters.
For the first time in the long and storied history of law in Massachusetts, a Supreme Judicial Court Justice ordered the Attorney General to revamp a "misleading" statement on a ballot question and voter's guide, which is being prepared by the Secretary of State for this November's election.
History was made earlier this month when Justice Robert J. Cordy approved new language on a proposed ballot question regarding medical marijuana. Notably, the new language clarifies that the medical marijuana would be produced and distributed in the state. The question now appears qualified for the upcoming November 6th ballot.
The efforts to change the language were lead by the Massachusetts Prevention Alliance ("MAPA"). MAPA's push, lead by Boston trial attorney John S. Scheft of Bellotti Law Group, focused on fully informing voters on the ramifications of passing the law, which would result in marijuana dispensaries in the state and possession of the drug throughout the state.
Justice Cordy heard the appeal from Attorney Scheft, which asked to change the statement on the ballot defining a "yes" vote. Scheft's primary goal was for the language to reflect the intent to maintain 35 distribution centers and give medical marijuana users up to a 60-day supply in Massachusetts. Attorney Scheft also argued that the previous summary of the proposed ballot question did not adequately define the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana or the state's authority to add more dispensaries after the first year of operation. In the end, Justice Cordy agreed, and ordered the Attorney General to revamp the language on the effect of a "yes" vote, making citizens more aware of its effect.
Before the successful appeal, Attorney Scheft noted "The public assumes that marijuana is going to be given to really deserving patients through the existing health care system…This law is not going to do that. This law is going to create a system of pot shops throughout the commonwealth where...any patient with an undiagnosed condition is going to be able to get pot for the rest of their life." Scheft later noted that "The components of this marijuana ballot question are being hidden. With any proposed law, the 'devil is in the details.' We trust that the Supreme Court will insist on full disclosure. Voters deserve nothing less."
In all, Attorney Scheft said the Attorney General was required by law to write the language in a neutral way and he was happy with the rewritten result. Scheft's colleague, Boston trial lawyer Peter Bellotti of the Bellotti Law Group lauded Scheft for his skilled and persistent efforts. Bellotti noted that "This ballot question has the potential to make a large impact on a number of levels in the state…John helped to ensure it is being done the right way."
Boston criminal attorneys and all Massachusetts criminal lawyers, along with the general population, will be affected by the vote on medical marijuana in Massachusetts this upcoming election.
For more information, please visit www.bellottilaw.com
Bellotti Law Group is a personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and Social Security Disability (SSDI) law firm with offices in Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy, Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Alex Asermely, Esq.
Bellotti Law Group
617-225-2100
http://www.bellottilaw.com
PR courtesy of Online PR Media.
For the first time in the long and storied history of law in Massachusetts, a Supreme Judicial Court Justice ordered the Attorney General to revamp a "misleading" statement on a ballot question and voter's guide, which is being prepared by the Secretary of State for this November's election.
History was made earlier this month when Justice Robert J. Cordy approved new language on a proposed ballot question regarding medical marijuana. Notably, the new language clarifies that the medical marijuana would be produced and distributed in the state. The question now appears qualified for the upcoming November 6th ballot.
The efforts to change the language were lead by the Massachusetts Prevention Alliance ("MAPA"). MAPA's push, lead by Boston trial attorney John S. Scheft of Bellotti Law Group, focused on fully informing voters on the ramifications of passing the law, which would result in marijuana dispensaries in the state and possession of the drug throughout the state.
Justice Cordy heard the appeal from Attorney Scheft, which asked to change the statement on the ballot defining a "yes" vote. Scheft's primary goal was for the language to reflect the intent to maintain 35 distribution centers and give medical marijuana users up to a 60-day supply in Massachusetts. Attorney Scheft also argued that the previous summary of the proposed ballot question did not adequately define the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana or the state's authority to add more dispensaries after the first year of operation. In the end, Justice Cordy agreed, and ordered the Attorney General to revamp the language on the effect of a "yes" vote, making citizens more aware of its effect.
Before the successful appeal, Attorney Scheft noted "The public assumes that marijuana is going to be given to really deserving patients through the existing health care system…This law is not going to do that. This law is going to create a system of pot shops throughout the commonwealth where...any patient with an undiagnosed condition is going to be able to get pot for the rest of their life." Scheft later noted that "The components of this marijuana ballot question are being hidden. With any proposed law, the 'devil is in the details.' We trust that the Supreme Court will insist on full disclosure. Voters deserve nothing less."
In all, Attorney Scheft said the Attorney General was required by law to write the language in a neutral way and he was happy with the rewritten result. Scheft's colleague, Boston trial lawyer Peter Bellotti of the Bellotti Law Group lauded Scheft for his skilled and persistent efforts. Bellotti noted that "This ballot question has the potential to make a large impact on a number of levels in the state…John helped to ensure it is being done the right way."
Boston criminal attorneys and all Massachusetts criminal lawyers, along with the general population, will be affected by the vote on medical marijuana in Massachusetts this upcoming election.
For more information, please visit www.bellottilaw.com
Bellotti Law Group is a personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and Social Security Disability (SSDI) law firm with offices in Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy, Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Alex Asermely, Esq.
Bellotti Law Group
617-225-2100
http://www.bellottilaw.com
PR courtesy of Online PR Media.
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