This November, Massachusetts voters will have the opportunity to vote on a ballot proposal to legalize the use of marijuana (for those who are 21 or older). For years, the legalization of marijuana has been a hot-button issue - but what if some of the beliefs fueling opposition were merely myths? As the opioid crisis continues to swell, so do debates on how to treat drug users.

As November draws closer, Miriam Boeri, assistant professor of sociology at Bentley University, can comment on the myths versus the facts of marijuana use. Professor Boeri has done extensive research and ethnographic studies surrounding drug use including:

• Marijuana’s role as a gateway drug;
• The role legalized marijuana and the presence of dispensaries play (or don’t play) in increased drug use overall;
• How and why marijuana can serve as a natural/alternative option for hard drug abusers

If you would like to learn more or arrange to speak with Boeri, please contact Helen Henrichs, hhenrichs@bentley.edu