From economic to social justice, the focus of “Greening Up the Garden State: Responsible Cannabis Policy N.J.” was almost 180 degrees from some of the dire opinions and questions asked at “Marijuana Legalization: A State & Local Perspective.”
“Greening Up the Garden State” was hosted by WM Policy, the policy arm of Weedmaps, and included panelists Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora; Dara Servis, co-founder and executive director of New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association; advocate Leo Bridgewater; and Kelli Hykes, Weedmaps director of policy for emerging markets. Weedmaps’ Alex Lleras was the moderator.
For Trenton, which recently passed an ordinance encouraging an Alternative Treatment Center within its borders, the hope is that the industry could help revitalize the city.
“With a controlled environment that’s secure it can be an economic engine that will help the city,” Gusciora said. He explained that Trenton owns industrial land in the north part of town that was assessed at $60,000 an acre and is getting bids of $300,000 an acre from entities that want to open facilities there. “Property we own now and no one is paying tax on. It will be real ratables.”