Five key statewide leaders—representing advocates and opponents—offered a range of opinions on the future legalization of marijuana in New Jersey, while highlighting the uncertainties of what such legalization may bring at a luncheon forum Jan. 25 in Hackensack.
The leaders from politics, civil liberties, law enforcement, banking and the cannabis industry covered most aspects roiling a legislative and social debate over legalization and left over 100 attendees at Bergen Volunteer Center’s Fifth Friday luncheon at Stony Hill Inn with many lingering questions and concerns.
The hourlong panel discussion was “The Status of Cannabis in Bergen County: Canna-Business? Canna-Town? Canna-Bank?” and featured state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37); New Jersey CannaBusiness Association President Scott Rudder, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton; ACLU Policy Counsel Dianna Houenou; and Kind Growth Capital Business Development Director Todd Sherer.
Archer & Greiner’s Managing Director of Public Affairs Bill Caruso emceed the panel.
The phrase “so many unanswered questions” was how Assemblywoman Huttle characterized the panel discussion of New Jersey’s ongoing statewide legalization debate.