Led by our dynamic Union County State Senator, Nick Scutari, New Jersey is poised at the brink of an era ready for common sense, modern, post-prohibition style drug policy and the legalization of marijuana.
Admittedly, I was skeptical during the early stages of this discussion, concerned about the well being of my constituents. However, after listening to the perspectives of many, learning even more about the destruction done to my community, understanding how the criminal justice system has excessively injured so many young people —hearing from every side— I’m ready to say drug laws and policies have got to change. I commit to leading the charge supporting the legalization of recreational adult use of marijuana in New Jersey and implementing a common sense approach to regulation, through appropriate legislation and licensing.
Though a number of my respected peers in the Legislature have expressed some skepticism and concern, I whole heartily believe that the people of New Jersey are prepared to break ground on a new era of responsible drug policy. I believe that the theories that marijuana is a social ill akin to our deadly opioid crisis do not hold water. Therefore, it is time to move beyond spotty, ineffectual, Rockefeller-style drug policy.