Six out of 10 New Jersey voters, or 62%, said that legalizing cannabis would help the state’s economy, while 21% said it would have no impact and 10% said legalization would harm the economy. Just over a quarter, or 27%, said that they believed legalizing marijuana will lead to an increase in other drug crimes and 22% believe it will actually reduce crimes related to other drugs. Almost half, or 46%, said they don’t believe legalization will have an impact either way on other drug crimes.
Details to Follow
Although the poll showed strong support for legalization, activists worry it might not be palatable to voters when they actually see the ballot question, which is thin on detail and requires the legislature to pass regulations to enact it.“The poll numbers show that there is a lot of work to do to ensure success in November,” said Bill Caruso, a founding member of New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform and an attorney who represents various cannabis-related clients.
“The problem is the details of this proposal aren’t defined because the statute hasn’t passed yet. That’s going to be a problem going into the fall to try to explain to the public what will come If legalization happens.”