BAN OPEN CONTAINERS OF MARIJUANA IN VEHICLES — The House sent off to a study committee, where it will never be studied and essentially defeated, legislation that would make it illegal to have an open container of marijuana while driving, treating it the same way the state treats open containers of beer and alcohol.

“There has been a surge in drugged driving cases and unfortunately law enforcement officers don’t have all the tools they need to combat this problem,” said Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Southwick. “This bill would’ve assisted law enforcement in doing their job to make our streets safer. This was a commonsense bill, simple and to the point. By sending the bill ‘to a study’ my colleagues are effectively killing it and sending a message that they aren’t serious about keeping our streets safe.”

RAISE AGE FOR PURCHASING MARIJUANA — A proposal that would raise from 21 to 25 the age at which a person can legally purchase marijuana was also sent off to a study committee ensuring its demise.

Supporters say that many neurological studies have shown that the human brain is not fully developed until age 25 and that using marijuana prior to age 25 can interfere with brain development and potentially affect important skills.

“In my opinion, the most important aspect of legalized marijuana is ensuring our young people’s safety,” said the bill’s sponsor Rep. James O’Day, D-West Boylston. “My support for this legislation is strictly due to data around brain development and how we can prevent negative impacts on young people’s memory, learning and attention skills.”