Rice Issues Statement on NJ.com Article Purporting his Support for the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana

Trenton – 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.”

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