NJ Governor Election 2021

What does this election mean for the future of legalization in New Jersey?

Later today we will find out the results of the most recent New Jersey election for governor. It is currently a tight race between front-runner Jack Ciattarelli (Rep) and current governor Phil Murphy (Dem). One of the hot topics in this election is the ongoing debate over the legalization of marijuana. 

The People’s Voice

According to a poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey voters intend to approve the legalization of marijuana 2 to 1. A question on the Nov. 3 ballot asks voters “Do you approve amending the constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called ‘cannabis?”’. Of those responses, 61% of voters said they would vote or have already voted “yes” to the approval. In contrast, around 29% have said “no”. 

The front-running candidates, while on opposite sides of the aisle, also hold opposite views on the legalization of marijuana. Phil Murphy, as well as many other Democrats, have made it a point to support legalization as a major aspect of his platform to run on. Ciattarelli on the other hand has stated that “ We could have addressed social injustice with the decriminalization of marijuana, not the approval of recreational marijuana.” And even going further with, “and it’s not an accident that of our 565 towns in New Jersey, 400 have now passed local ordinances that have said no dispensary in my town.” Rumor has circulated that if elected he would attempt to reverse the recently enacted legalization. 

With the majority of New Jerseyans in favor of legal marijuana, undoing the act could be “career suicide”. As governor, however, Ciattarelli could stand in the way of any further progress being made; slowing the progression by letting bills die on his desk and creating regulations making everything more difficult. But at least it’s for the good of the children.

The clock continues to tick down during this close race. But, one way or another we will have our results and soon find out what the future holds for New Jersey and its legalization of marijuana.