The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform has some good ideas as far as legalizing marijuana, but if New Jersey legalizes pot, the state seems to be poised to implement a far too limited an attempt at legalization.
A proposed 21+ marijuana age is the result of political marketing strategists in western states that had already had extensive medical marijuana programs, seeking the most acceptable age to voters with a concept of comparing marijuana to alcohol.
Cannabis isn’t alcohol and the backers behind the coalition, are throwing under the bus 18-20 year olds who are considered adults by the criminal justice system and most likely to lose things like student aid due to a drug conviction. Even if marijuana is legal for adults over 21, those under that arbitrary marker will still draconian consequences.
New Jersey should legalize marijuana for all adults and while we may seek to prevent minors from purchasing in retail stores, we should not criminalize possession by minors. New Jersey does not criminalize minors possessing tobacco, a far more harmful age restricted substance.
As far as opponents to marijuana legalization, like drug war profiteers Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-Monmouth) and Governor Christie, they should be chased out of New Jersey politics and put in the place where they belong: the past.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
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