Dear Editor:
Everywhere I go, I smell burning cannabis and with each passing day, we continue to abide by outdated, draconian laws for a substance that is far less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. Not only have we been denying patients the relief that they need for numerous chronic conditions, but we also hinder economic growth and innovation.
The mayors of Secaucus and Weehawken have refused to consider the sale of recreational marijuana in their cities, perhaps undemocratically. The opportunity is then ours to embrace.
Tax and regulate it just like alcohol and tobacco. Some of that earned revenue could be used for the opioid crisis, the state pension fund and maybe a slight reduction in property taxes. Our previous governor has set us so far backwards, fiscally and otherwise. We certainly could use the extra revenue.
The war on drugs has been a dismal failure. Obviously, it hasn’t prevented marijuana from become a mainstream pastime. State and local officials can decide how they want to write the laws. We already have many other states to look to for guidance.
Also, I want to commend our Mayor for being honest about his support of full legalization of marijuana.
Thank you
Amy Valent
