HOLZAPFEL URGES COLLEAGUES TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

After votes on marijuana legalization were cancelled in the Legislature yesterday due to a lack of support, Senator Jim Holzapfel urged his colleagues to hold strong against Governor Murphy’s effort to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey:

“Even though we succeeded in preventing the passage of legislation to legalize marijuana for now, it seems likely this fight isn’t over. I urge my colleagues who rightfully opposed this legislation for the harm it would do to our communities to not be swayed into changing their positions, should legalization be brought before the Senate again later this year. Don’t allow a shallow promise to change your vote. I would hope that when all is said and done that we don’t find out about any backroom deals or giveaways to change any Senator’s vote on this issue.”

“Think of the damage that legalization will do to our state. The false promises of tax revenues generated by legalization are nothing more than smoke and mirrors created by Governor Murphy and the Democrat-controlled Legislature to push their agenda. Should legalization occur, we will see increased drug use by children and massive law enforcement costs thrust upon property taxpayers.”

“I am unwavering in my opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana, and I hope my colleagues in Trenton will continue to stand with me to prevent this bad proposal from advancing. For whatever problems Democrats think they might solve, legalization is not the answer. That’s why I will vote against it now, tomorrow, and for as long as I am sitting in the Senate.”