Medical pot use restricted at federally funded housing, residents stuck

MALDEN, Mass. — Medical marijuana users living in apartments controlled by the Malden Housing Authority were given a new addendum for their leases recently, and the included language has some residents concerned.

Jennifer Smith uses the marijuana to treat insomnia and migraine headaches as well as PTSD, but now that will not be allowed.

“I start reading it I kind of start to get stressed out because I can see it affects me,” she said.

The addendum indicates cannabis is not welcome at the complex, and neither is smoking. The penalty is eviction.

“I said ‘you know, I'm not comfortable filling out this paperwork because I am a medical user of marijuana,’” Smith told Boston 25 News.

The complex is federally funded, and marijuana use -- medical or otherwise -- is still illegal under federal law. Plus, the Department of Health and Urban Development adopted a smoke-free policy earlier this year giving federally funded properties have until the end of next July to comply.

“I do understand, you know, their concern with second-hand smoke. I just kind of, where do I go?” Smith said.

The Malden Housing Authority says it has no choice but to enforce federal law, but they are open to making reasonable accommodations including a transfer to state public housing.

“I'm going to have to move to state housing. I have no option. I'm going to have to move,” Smith said.

Cox Media Group