the staff of the Ridgewood blog
River Vale NJ, according to Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi , “This year I worked with Senator Ron Rice and the students at Ramsey High school to understand the pros and cons of the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. One thing that the students’ research pointed to is how uneducated most people are on the issues related to legalization and how different demographics are being lobbied in different ways. In Urban communities it has been marketed as “social justice” and in suburban communities it has been marketed as reducing your property taxes. Neither argument is accurate.
The students recommended in their final presentation to us that a more prudent approach in legalization would involve putting the question to the public through a referendum, as done in every other State (other than Vermont) that has legalized marijuana. A democratic State Senator who represents Newark and a Republican Assemblywoman who represents 23 suburban communities have partnered up to sponsor the public question suggested by the students of Ramsey. What are your thoughts?”
Senator Ronald L. Rice issued the following statement about an article published yesterday on NJ.com pertaining to his stance on the legalization of recreational marijuana: “I do not support the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey. I have spoken with Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi on pushing for the measure to be put on the ballot this year because I believe the voters should decide whether recreational marijuana is legalized in this state.
“I have spoken to residents and people up and down the state and they were not aware if we legalize recreational marijuana, retail marijuana stores could open up in their neighborhoods. These stores could sell products that appear identical to everyday products. These products could include gummy bears, brownies, cookies, lipsticks, marijuana oils, or cupcakes, to name a few. Those who are underage could become confused between regular products and products laced with recreational marijuana, potentially harming long-term brain development.
“We should make sure the voters are educated on the pros and cons of recreational marijuana prior to putting it on the ballot, and we should not rush into a delicate process without first properly thinking it through.”