Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy took to social media this Tuesday (Oct. 6th, 2020) calling for the legalization of marijuana, in light of the exuberant cost of incarcerating individuals for cannabis related crimes. In a twitter post, Governor Murphy pointed to the fact that the state of "New Jersey spends $150 million per year processing marijuana arrests." Governor Phil Murphy's urge for legal marijuana, stems from the dire need for change to help the social and economic state of communities. There have been a large number of marijuana arrests over the years for non violent and low level crimes, that have cost millions of dollars in tax money for states. While some states have made policies to regulate medical and or recreational marijuana, the sale and use of marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
"Governor Murphy Calls For Cannabis Reform Over The $150 Million Price Tag For Processing Cannabis Arrests and Incarcerations In NJ"
There has been many research over the years indicating to the effects of marijuana over different periods of time, as well as the effects it may or may not have on various individuals. However, there has not been much support from federal government in aiding the research or policies surrounding marijuana and related products. The use of cannabis throughout the United States population, has increased over the years, regardless of the government branding marijuana and related products as a substance with "potentially severe psychological or physical dependence." This has lead to states such as New Jersey bearing the burden of cost to handle large amounts of arrests and incarcerations, as opposed to generating tax revenue from legal marijuana sales.
Though marijuana arrests have fallen in recent years, as indicated in a report by the FBI. It can be noticed that the number of arrests for violent crimes, is significantly lower than the number of arrests for marijuana related crimes. The disparity among arrest rates is clear indication that more needs to be done for the regulation of marijuana; and gives insight into the reason why some states such as New Jersey, carry a high burden of cost to handle incarcerations.
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