Bateman: Too Many Unresolved Questions for Marijuana Legalization to Move Forward

Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) issued the following statement after votes were cancelled in the Senate and General Assembly on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey:

“The decision by legislative leaders to cancel today’s planned votes on marijuana legalization is reflective of the significant concerns that exist among both Republicans and Democrats with current proposals.

“As a parent, I’m concerned about the impact that increased access to marijuana would have on our youth. As a legislator and prosecutor, I have unanswered questions about enforcement costs and our ability to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers.

“I truly believe there is bipartisan support for significant marijuana reforms, including the expansion of our medical marijuana program and decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Unfortunately, we were presented an all or nothing proposition on some poorly structured bills, which doomed the potential for achieving significant marijuana reform from the start.”