"Yes on 4," the advocacy group for the legalization of recreational marijuana, is debuting its first television ad today. The campaign cost $650,000 and will run for a week on various broadcast stations, according to the group's communications director, Jim Borghesani.
The television spot features retired Boston Police Lieutenant Tom Nolan, who is now a criminology professor at Merrimack College. Nolan cites the virtues of legalizing marijuana, including, " bringing in millions in revenue for schools or law enforcement."
"We're confident Massachusetts voters will give this a fair look from the people we've polled. The initiative is strong," says Borghesani. A recent WBUR poll had 50% respondents saying yes and 45% saying no to legalizing recreational marijuana.
It's been widely reported that Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker oppose Question 4, while Boston City Council President Michele Wu is in favor.
This is the first television ad from either side of Question 4. Massachusetts voters will make their choice on the legalization of recreational marijuana on Nov. 8.
