The New Jersey Perspective on Cannabis Legalization

Title:The New Jersey Perspective on Cannabis Legalization

Volume: 11 Issue: 3

Author(s): John Calvin Chatlos*Theodore A. Petti

Affiliation:

• Rutgers University-University Behavioral Health Care, Department of Psychiatry, 671 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ,United States
• University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, USA

Keywords: New Jersey, cannabis, marijuana, legalization, adolescents, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Abstract: Background: Between 2010 and 2020, New Jersey went from treating cannabis as an illegal substance in all circumstances to allowing medical use and subsequently recreational use.

The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was originally very strict and was progressively liberalized. After attempts to legalize recreational use failed in the legislature, voters passed a referendum to amend the New Jersey constitution to allow recreational use. Our objectives are to document this process and provide the perspectives of psychiatrists treating adolescents

Method: We describe the legislative process and the multiple pressures for legalization and decriminalization

Discussion: Issues germane to youth as a vulnerable population have been inadequately considered by policymakers, the media, and the general population. Greater attention to the process and outcome to mitigate this finding is needed.

Cite this article as:

Chatlos Calvin John*, Petti A. Theodore, The New Jersey Perspective on Cannabis Legalization, Adolescent Psychiatry 2021; 11 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/2210676611666210728164953