“New Jersey’s cannabis consumers have a list of specific issues that Sherrill and Ciattarelli could address… And we vote—so the candidates would do well to stop by and say ‘high’ to us before Election Day.”
By Chris Goldstein, NORML
Legal cannabis is causing a small economic revolution in the Garden State, yet neither of the mainstream candidates running for governor seem to pay much attention.
In 2020, nearly three million people voted to legalize the retail sale of marijuana. The ballot referendum, which was approved 67 per cent of the time, also showed that New Jersey’s pro weed voters were not from a single party. The politicians haven’t spoken to us yet, and we are still all waiting.
Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. from New Jersey, supports cannabis legalization wholeheartedly. She has also taken many pro-cannabis steps while she was in Congress, like voting to support Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement Act. She is also in favor of removing marijuana from Schedule I under the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Sherrill expressed support earlier this year for the personal cultivation of cannabis in New Jersey. This is a major shift in thinking for the former federal prosecutor.
Sherrill is still able to engage voters in these hot-button issues even though the campaign has a lot of focus.
Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman (R), was not a fan of marijuana while serving in the legislature. Ciattarelli, who was running for governor in 2021 at the time, took some time during one of his debates to state that he opposed adult-use marijuana.
In this past year, he tried to soften his tone by supporting an effort that was bi-partisan and allowed home medical marijuana cultivation. Ciattarelli didn’t allow adults to cultivate a small amount of cannabis. Ciattarelli may still have time for Mary Jane if he knows how many voters smoke joints every night in front of television news.
New Jersey is home to more than 10,000 farm businesses that collectively generate $1.5 billion in retail sales worldwide each year. From blueberries to soybeans, New Jersey’s agriculture currently represents the state’s third largest market—behind only pharmaceuticals and tourism.
All of those farms will now face some fierce competition. In New Jersey, fewer than 200 marijuana operations generated sales of just under $1 billion last year.
Cannabis may become New Jersey’s largest agricultural market in the coming year. It is likely that the Garden State will continue to have its most popular flower for many decades. Consider this when you’re picking out some expensive pumpkins.
New Jersey’s Governor now has an important role to play in the cannabis industry. Their role is to appoint Commissioners and they can adjust taxes related to cannabis. The current governor. Phil Murphy (D), during his two terms, made the legalization of products and services as well as regulation to launch them on the market a priority.
To keep taxes and cannabis production flowing, the next governor must also be involved. As an example, I have always wished to see a few plants of the most profitable variety growing near Drumthwacket – Governor’s residence.
Sherrill/Ciattarelli have been asked to address a number of issues specific to New Jersey cannabis users.
The medical cannabis program in our state has been neglected to the point of being unsustainable. It deserves a new approach. Adults are faced with incredibly high prices for regulated products in comparison to those of other states. They also face a continued ban on personal cultivation, and persistent access issues.
Profits and taxes are not generated by plants. Each penny is from cannabis users like myself. New Jersey has received nearly a $1 billion in taxes from us in the last few years.
And we vote—so the candidates would do well to stop by and say “high” to us before Election Day.
Chris Goldstein lives in Willingboro. He’s been a cannabis consumer rights activist for thirty years and serves as a regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – NORML.