New Jersey’s Restrictive Medical Marijuana Program
Medical marijuana came to New Jersey in 2009 while notoriously anti-weed Governor Chris Christie assumed office. While governor, Christie called medical marijuana “a front for legalization” on radio show New Jersey 101.5.
“I am not going to allow de-facto legalization of marijuana in this state or regular legalization of marijuana in this state by statute. It’s not going to happen on my watch,” he added.
Though he couldn’t stop New Jersey from legalizing medical cannabis, Christie succeeded in delaying it for a long time. It took two years following legalization for New Jersey residents to have access to the herb.