Statement from New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP) spokesperson Jeannette Hoffman on Governor Murphy’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana.

“NJ-RAMP opposes the governor’s plan to legalize recreational marijuana in order to raise additional tax revenue for the state budget. We’ve seen from other states that the tax revenues from legalization pale in comparison to the costs associated with drugged driving, more hospital admissions, increased law enforcement, lost tourism dollars, and other costs to our communities. The price of legalization as seen in other states—including greater youth pot use, more car crashes, and more arrests of minorities—is far too expensive for New Jersey communities. That’s why parents, law enforcement, medical professionals, and religious leaders, mayors, and legislators on both sides of the aisle strongly oppose this misguided policy.”