MURPHY’S HOME COUNTY VOTES TO FORMALLY OPPOSE LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA 

New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP) issued the following statement today regarding a resolution passed by Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders last night opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey:

“We’re heartened that Monmouth County — Governor Murphy’s home county — is the first county government in New Jersey to formally oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana with a County resolution sent to the Governor and Legislature.  As these elected officials know, legalizing recreational marijuana brings a new Big Tobacco-type industry to New Jersey that comes with a multitude of public health concerns, including addiction, youth drug use, increased motor vehicle crashes and higher numbers of minority arrests.

“NJ-RAMP — a grassroots coalition of medical doctors, community groups, drug prevention professionals, business owners, law enforcement officers and parents  — commends the Freeholder Board for standing up for the health and well-being of Monmouth County families, businesses, and children.  As the issue continues to be debated in Trenton, we expect a number of other counties and municipalities to follow suit.

“Despite what the Big Marijuana lobby may claim, legalizing recreational marijuana is not inevitable.  We urge Governor Murphy to listen to legislators, health professionals, law enforcement, and members of his own party — as well as the Freeholder Board in his home County — who all have serious concerns. We can’t let Big Marijuana profit at the expense of our communities and families.”

A copy of the resolution passed 4-0 by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders on January 25, 2018 is attached.

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