In Wake Of Massachusetts Pot Vote, NJ Lawmaker Calls Prohibition 'Waste Of Substantial Money'
BOSTON, MA (CBSNewYork) -- The marijuana industry got a big boost on election night. Voters in California, Nevada, and Massachusetts legalized recreational pot.
The approval of Prop 64 established a system for moving marijuana from the black market to the retail market.
As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, soon buying legal, recreational marijuana will be just a few hours drive away to Massachusetts.
Some New Jersey prohibition advocates worry nearby legalization could pose dangers in their state.
"They could be purchasing it legally, then driving down here, and selling it illegally," Diane Literer, CEO, Executive Director, NJ Prevention Network said.
She said laws are often created for money without considering the health and safety impact.
"Use has shown to increase accidents, learning ability, often people start using before 21," she said.
Others pointed out that the reality is people can very easily buy pot on the street corner rather than drive out of state to buy it legally.
"There are people who enjoy this substance and they are willing to break the law now to get it, and that has created opportunities for mini Al Capones," Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, Morris County, said.
Carroll said the war on drugs has failed, and it's about time for New Jersey to join the parade and legalize.
"In what I believe is a waste of substantial money, time, effort, lives enforcing a law against a plant," he said.
Other parents agreed with him.
"I think teenagers will get it anyway, and I think legalizing it will actually make it safer if they are going to do it, may as well know what it is they are buying and from a credible source," Michelle Puri said.
New Jersey State Police said they expect people who are traveling through the state will adhere to state law as it pertains to marijuana.
"We have to think about criminal justice reform," Jessica Thompson said.
The Massachusetts law goes into effect on December 15, and will allow people 21 and older to possess up to 1 oz of marijuana outside of their homes and up to 10 oz inside their residences.
Under federal law marijuana remains illegal everywhere. Retail pot shops could be open in Massachusetts in 2018.
