Letter: The Legalization of Cannabis Must Empower Communities

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog.


Dear Editor,

Cannabis has no more of a social stigma today than a glass of wine, but it appears the State of New Jersey has smoked the marijuana memo.

While many other states have legalized, New Jersey is still arresting adults for small amounts of pot, and has a failed medical program that is the most expensive in the nation.

Legalization of cannabis is expected if Democrat Phil Murphy is elected as Governor, but we still most work to create a system that will empower communities victimized by the racist war on drugs, and build an industry that favors union labor. Groups like the ACLU, NAACP, Labor Unions and Garden State Equality must be part of the legislative process.

I urge candidate Phil Murphy to pledge to build a cannabis industry that puts social justice, union labor, and our diverse communities before big business.

Rev. Dr. Eric Hafner
Toms River