Nov. 2, 2020
By Olivia Oliveira
Staff Writer
Up until this point, the recreational use of marijuana has been illegal in New Jersey. However, that might change after Election Day.
On this year’s ballot, New Jersey voters are being asked whether they support an amendment to the state constitution that would result in the legalization of marijuana. A “yes” vote on this public question would legalize the possession and use of marijuana for people over the age of 21. This will also legalize the cultivation, processing and sale of retail marijuana. Only 11 states across America have legalized marijuana, and ten have decriminalized it.
As of 2018, two of New Jersey’s largest cities, Asbury Park and Jersey City, were in favor of the legalization of marijuana. However, at least 60 towns including Allendale (Bergen County), Clifton (Passaic County) and Berkeley (Ocean County) have already banned any form of marijuana usage to prevent marijuana businesses opening within their borders.
History teacher Ms. Schiraldi said the legalization of marijuana can be beneficial for the Garden State.
“Marijuana should be legalized in the state and monitored as they do alcohol,” Schiraldi said.
She said the legalization of marijuana could lead to several positive outcomes.
“The state can financially benefit from proceeds of the selling of marijuana. Secondly, I think adults can be responsible as they are with alcohol in the use of recreational marijuana. Lastly, and most importantly I believe that medicinal marijuana is essential to people that it helps in any and all illnesses,” Schiraldi said.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has voiced his support for the legalization of marijuana. Murphy has even explained that the legalization of marijuana can aid in economic recovery from the coronavirus.
Murphy has even explained that the legalization of marijuana can aid in economic recovery from the coronavirus.
A 2016 report from the New Jersey Policy Perspective, a nonpartisan think tank, estimated that more than $300 million can be brought annually to the state in tax revenues if marijuana is legalized.
Freshman Maya Wachlaczenko also supports the legalization of marijuana.
“The legalization of marijuana is beneficial to the state of New Jersey because it can help calm down stressed people if needed,” Wachlaczenko said.
Despite her support for the question on the ballot, Wachlaczenko said she also has reservations.
“My only concern about this is having people abuse the power and not using it responsibly,” Wachlaczenko said.
Sophomore Gabe Gomez said people who are currently imprisoned for marijuana-related offenses should have their records expunged.
“I do think people with marijuana-related sentences should get released but have a patrol officer to make sure they don’t sell any more drugs illegally,” Gomez said.
He said marijuana should continue to be classified as a Schedule I drug, which includes the most dangerous drugs, such as heroin and LSD, which cause potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.
“I think marijuana is on the same level as some of those hardcore drugs because it basically leads to those drugs at some point once the high from the marijuana isn’t good enough for the smoker anymore,” said Gomez.
