Marijuana advocates said at a meeting Tuesday one of the biggest impediments that could keep Trenton from embracing the cannabis culture is the “Cheech and Chong” stereotype of the drugged-out comedians ripping from the bong during one of their THC-laced trips.
That and an old-school belief that marijuana is a “gateway drug” to other potent, deadlier drugs are the main beefs marijuana advocates encounter when trying to re-educate the public about the medicinal benefits of marijuana as pro-pot Mayor Reed Gusciora rolled out his most controversial measure yet in his brief stint in office.
City leaders said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting they’ve received considerable interest from applicants, including Trenton businessman Tracey Syphax, about opening up a medical marijuana dispensary in the capital city as the Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy looks to fulfill a campaign promise by pushing to legalize adult recreational pot use.
Companies from across the country have started a “bidding war” that has reached up to $750,000 for some Trenton properties they then hope to revamp into a medical marijuana dispensary should they obtain a license from the state, city officials said.
Right now, New Jersey is one of 32 states with a medical marijuana program, officials said.