Senator Patricia Jehlen was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 2005. She represents Medford, Somerville, and parts of Winchester and Cambridge.Senator Jehlen serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, and as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Marijuana Policy. Senator Jehlen also serves on the Committees on Ways and Means, Revenue, and Community Development and Small Businesses.
I am deeply concerned with the deadly opioid epidemic. Since most people who become addicted to opioids start with prescription drugs, reducing opioid prescriptions is extremely important. http://time.com/4404697/marijuana-opioid-epidemic/ We have initiated other programs, such as limiting initial prescriptions, reporting of prescriptions and academic detailing for doctors. We have created new treatment beds. But giving people another legal and less dangerous alternative is important.