Statement from Jeanette Hoffman, spokesperson for New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP) on Governor Murphy’s executive order to study New Jersey’s system of medical marijuana:

“It is appropriate for Governor Murphy to study the medical marijuana system in New Jersey to ensure public health and safety are being served. We hope that the Department of Health (DOH) consult experts from public health and the addiction field, including medical doctors and prevention experts. We also expect the marijuana industry not to exert influence here, any more than the tobacco industry should influence DOH tobacco regulations.

However, when it comes to legalizing widespread recreational marijuana, we urge Governor Murphy to look at other states and to listen to legislators in his own party who have serious concerns.  In states that have already legalized the drug, we’ve seen an increase in drugged driving crashes and youth marijuana use.  Additionally, these states have also failed to shore up state budget shortfalls with marijuana taxes and continue to see a thriving black market.  The people of New Jersey deserve common-sense, responsible marijuana policies — not a new Big Tobacco-type industry that profits at the expense of our communities.”