Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Technically, legalizing marijuana is not on the ballot next month. But its future could depend on how you vote in the gubernatorial election Nov. 7.
Democrat Phil Murphy said he would legalize cannabis as a solution to a social injustice. Blacks have a higher arrest and conviction rate than whites for minor drug offenses. Also, if legalized, sale of the plant could generate billions of dollars in taxes for the state.
But Murphy insists he's taking the higher road.
"If it doesn't pass the social justice test, you can't talk about revenue implications, and the fact of the matter is that we have the widest white-nonwhite gap of persons incarcerated in New Jersey," he said during last night's debate.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has suggested it would go along with such a move.
His opponent, Republican Kim Guadagno, doesn't want you to legally buy the drug, but she says she would decriminalize its use.
"There is a less intrusive way to solve the social injustice problem than legalizing drug dealers," Guadagno said previously. "I am wholly opposed to legalizing marijuana. Having said that, I do believe we can decriminalize it." She added last night that legalizing it sends a bad message while the state is fighting an opioid overdose crisis.
Murphy countered last night that decriminalizing, but not legalizing, helps keep alive the underground drug market. He prefers that sales be regulated.
The role of cannabis in New Jersey is only one of several issues that divide the candidates. But we wonder, will marijuana's future play a role in whom you vote for?
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Will marijuana's future play a role in whom you vote for? | NJ.com
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Photo Credit: CBC
Website: New Jersey Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - NJ.com
Democrat Phil Murphy said he would legalize cannabis as a solution to a social injustice. Blacks have a higher arrest and conviction rate than whites for minor drug offenses. Also, if legalized, sale of the plant could generate billions of dollars in taxes for the state.
But Murphy insists he's taking the higher road.
"If it doesn't pass the social justice test, you can't talk about revenue implications, and the fact of the matter is that we have the widest white-nonwhite gap of persons incarcerated in New Jersey," he said during last night's debate.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has suggested it would go along with such a move.
His opponent, Republican Kim Guadagno, doesn't want you to legally buy the drug, but she says she would decriminalize its use.
"There is a less intrusive way to solve the social injustice problem than legalizing drug dealers," Guadagno said previously. "I am wholly opposed to legalizing marijuana. Having said that, I do believe we can decriminalize it." She added last night that legalizing it sends a bad message while the state is fighting an opioid overdose crisis.
Murphy countered last night that decriminalizing, but not legalizing, helps keep alive the underground drug market. He prefers that sales be regulated.
The role of cannabis in New Jersey is only one of several issues that divide the candidates. But we wonder, will marijuana's future play a role in whom you vote for?
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Will marijuana's future play a role in whom you vote for? | NJ.com
Contact: Contact Us information, user services and more on NJ.com | NJ.com Community -
Photo Credit: CBC
Website: New Jersey Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - NJ.com
