This week, New Jersey state Sen. James Beach, would have been a "hard no" on the state’s cannabis legalization bill. The bill narrowly missed garnering enough support in the Senate, which prevented one of the most important votes in New Jersey’s history from taking place.
The cannabis legalization bill would not only legalize marijuana, ending prohibition in our state; more importantly, it would promote social justice reform and an end to the decades-long war on drugs in New Jersey.
I believe it’s time for Sen. Beach to listen to his constituents on these very Democratic social justice issues and unite with the Democrats he represents.
His view on marijuana is outdated, misinformed, and, in my opinion, deleterious to the social and economic health of New Jersey. Sen. Beach does not represent the views of the vast majority of his Democratic constituents in NJ-District 6. He certainly does not represent my view.
I am asking for Sen. Beach to hold a public forum to give voice to the concerns of his constituents. Such a forum would be a vital opportunity for Beach to revise his views and move New Jersey one senate vote closer to ending this senseless prohibition, which negatively affects over 30,000 New Jerseyans arrested for marijuana possession each year.
Chris Barrett
Collingswood Democratic Committee Member