The legalization of marijuana has been the hottest topic in New Jersey ever since Governor Phil Murphy made it his goal when he came into office. Murphy first promised to get marijuana legalized throughout all of New Jersey within the first 100 days of him being in office. Murphy has recently taken back what he said during his campaign and put out a statement saying that it is more realistic for NJ to fully legalize marijuana by the end of the year. State Senator Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, said he thought lawmakers would be able to get it done by that deadline.

Murphy is a huge supporter of the legalization of marijuana and has big hopes for the future. He tweeted, “I advocate for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of marijuana sales to adults. This will allow us to reinvest directly in our communities, and these investments will pay dividends – in contrast to the cost of mass incarceration. #StrongerFairerNJ” According to NJ.com, Murphy feels so strongly about this bill being passed that if it’s not his advisors are going to convince him to push for a constitutional amendment asking voters if they want marijuana to be legalized.

New Jersey towns mostly voted against the legalization with towns like Garfield, Hazlet, North Caldwell and Old bridge who already voted against it. Some towns like Hawthorne, Chatham Township, Middletown, Ocean Port, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Seaside Heights, and Toms River are undecided on voting. Only two towns have said yes to the legalization of marijuana, which are Asbury Park and Jersey City.

Staff and students at Wayne hills have many different opinions on the legalization of recreational use of marijuana. “Since it’s going to be legal, it’s going to help the state since its going to be taxed and it’s going to be able to supply more jobs in New Jersey and all the tax money will be used to better the state and crime rate will be lowered.” said Junior Kyle Song.“I think that since it will be legal it will be a bit of a problem with schools and kids being under in the influence on school grounds.” said Sophomore Justin Hacker.

Meanwhile, some teachers in Hills have different thoughts. “I don’t see the end of the year deadline is going to be in time and I think it shouldn’t even be legal anyway. I believe that medical use for people is enough but recreational use is too much. It’s gonna be worse in the schools too, Hills already has a problem with kids coming in with vapes. What’s next if weed becomes legal?” says Robotics teacher, Robert Yost.

Overall, the legalization of marijuana has many pros and cons to it and we just can’t tell what the final decision may be or when it will be decided. The decisions whether it will be strictly medical, the restrictions on it, etc., will also follow. You can argue both sides but as Murphy said, he is determined to legalize marijuana across New Jersey.