ATNJ Urges State’s Leadership to Legalize Marijuana  

MADISON, NJ, February 21, 2019 –   The majority of Americans – and New Jerseyans – now support the legalization of cannabis.  Governor Murphy promised to pass legalization legislation in his first 100 days in office.  A year has passed since his inauguration and we have yet to pass this legislation.  However, it seems we are now closer than ever – and the current legislation is far better than the bills initially proposed several years back.   

We commend our legislators and the State’s leadership for listening to the citizens of New Jersey when we demanded that they approach this legislation through the lens of social and racial justice. It’s now time for New Jersey to join the other states that have legalized cannabis use for adults. As an organization, Action Together New Jersey (ATNJ,) encourages our legislators to do what it takes to get this legislation finalized in the coming days so that it can be put to a vote as quickly as possible.   

Every minute we wait, marijuana patients are suffering and every day that goes by, more and more individuals are arrested for low level cannabis possession – and as we know, the majority of these individuals are persons of color despite the fact that white New Jerseyans are consuming cannabis at about the same rate.  We must bring an end to prohibition immediately!  

“The time is now for civil and social justice for thousands of New Jerseyans, specially those of color to be relieved of the stigma and life altering effects of a cannabis charge” Rachel Green, Civil Rights Director ATNJ.  

ATNJ’s Director of Drug Policy Reform, Moira Nelson, said “The latest bill isn’t perfect but it’s a far cry from where we started a few years back.  It may be the best we get.  But, advocates like myself will continue to push for amendments until the bitter end.  I’ve pressed the Governor on whether any portion of the potential tax revenue from the sale of adult use recreational cannabis would be earmarked for those communities most harmed by prohibition.  It’s the least we can do.  I will continue to ask this question until I get a clear answer.  And secondly, I still don’t understand why New Jersey is the only state that isn’t going to allow home cultivation.  The entire medical program is costly and cumbersome.  We have far fewer dispensaries than other states, patients are driving hours to get their medication (which simply isn’t feasible for those in chronic pain or suffering from other illness,) it’s not covered by insurance and has to be paid for in cash, dispensaries are running out of product and carry few strains, the typical recommended dose is about 2 oz. per month which costs an individual $10,000/ year on average.  I see a moral obligation to allow home cultivation.” 

Although legislators have worked tirelessly to introduce fair and equitable legislation, the bill still needs to include: 

• Fixes to the expungement provisions to ensure marijuana arrests and convictions are properly expunged 

• Fixes to the equity program giving more residents access to the new industry 
• Ending supervision for people currently entangled in the criminal justice system because of a marijuana offense 
• Reinvestment of new tax dollars in communities harmed by the drug war 
• Options for residents to grow a limited amount of marijuana for their own use  

Furthermore, John George, ATNJ Economic Policy Director, said, “Legalizing cannabis in the state of New Jersey would have positive effects on our economy. In addition to creating a new tax revenue stream, the potential establishment of dispensaries would create jobs and additional income and kick start economic activity in surrounding communities.” 

We urge lawmakers to do what it takes to get this done fairly and equitably – and quickly – for all New Jerseyans.  We support the actions of the state leaders in working together to make this a reality. 

About Action Together New Jersey 

ATNJ, a non-profit progressive group, is the largest grassroots organization in New Jersey. ATNJ has chapters in every county because change is local. Functioning as a central command for statewide initiatives and legislative actions, ATNJ’s teams work with coalitions of like-minded groups to serve the public by educating the electorate, providing a platform for progressive candidates, advancing legislative proposals with elected officials, and working in concert with advocacy groups for human rights. ATNJ seeks to promote equality and progressive ideals and to secure a more inclusive, fair and equitable future for New Jersey and the nation. For more information, visit www.ATNJ.org.