I am dismayed and disappointed at the opposition of various professional organizations and certain politicians and elected officials to Question 4, which would legalize marijuana.

Their concerns regarding the use of marijuana are the very concerns we already have with the widespread illegal, underground black market for marijuana, where its use is impossible to control or regulate. These concerns are real and legitimate and need to be addressed. Maintaining the status quo, however, is not in our best interest. Legalization of marijuana would represent a move in the right direction, by allowing for regulation and control of its supply and distribution and the form in which it can be safely purchased. The goal would be to limit its access to those under age 21 and reduce the likelihood of overdosage and misuse.

It was gratifying to learn that Representative Seth Moulton supports legalization to regulate and control the use of marijuana.

There is no question that marijuana is less risky and less injurious to one’s health and general welfare when compared with tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and opioids. It’s also likely that its use has had, and will continue to have, a significant impact in reducing addiction and overdose to these more harmful substances, thereby providing responsible adults with a much safer choice for recreational use.

Dr. Richard C. Gardner

Gloucester