Township officials are the latest in Ocean County to mount an attack against the legalization of recreational marijuana, defiantly opposing Gov. Phil Murphy's efforts to greenlight the pot industry in New Jersey
Barnegat Mayor Alfonso Cirulli is taking an anti-pot petition to churches and residents throughout the township to garner support. Last week, the Township Committee also passed a resolution opposing legalization of recreational use.
Cirulli said he worried marijuana legalization would trigger more illegal drug use of substances such as opiates in the township and endanger children's health.
"It’s going to be a problem," said the mayor, who is a retired school administrator. "Underage kids are going to get a hold of this stuff."