“I’m studying this issue carefully and any legislative action taken should have input from law enforcement, the community, and medical experts. As a prosecutor, I understand this is a nuanced issue. It is a waste of a person’s potential, and police resources, to send them to prison for a small amount of marijuana. However, we also have an opioid epidemic in our state and country, and we need to do everything we can to educate and discourage the abuse of drugs, especially by young people. I’m supportive of considering making medical marijuana available to patients who rely on opioids for chronic pain, to provide patient relief and curb opioid abuse.” (Belleville News-Democrat 02/08/18)

-- https://www.bnd.com/news/local/article199095809.html