Another drug-related issue that will confront the next attorney general is how to deal with state marijuana laws. Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, and retail shops are expected to open imminently. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. McMahon criticized Healey for certifying the ballot question legalizing marijuana as constitutional, even though Healey opposed the substance of the measure.

McMahon said he would defer to the federal government to enforce federal law. But he would not defend marijuana businesses operating under state law.

“I’m going to tell them you do it at your peril, because we have a conflict of laws,” McMahon said.

McMahon personally supports medical marijuana but opposes recreational marijuana because of the increased risk of traffic fatalities.