Newark must be "invited to the table" in the marijuana industry, according to a mayor – Newark NJ News



[ad_1]

NEWARK, NJ – For a panel of legislators and advocates of the Baptist Abyssinian Church, it was not a question of whether a marijuana market boom was happening in New Jersey.

For Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, it was essential that people in his community, who he said were victims of the drug laws, could benefit from this industry. He was part of a group of eight members yesterday who discussed marijuana policies at dozens of church residents along West Kinney Street.

"It is a problem if you are doing 15 years in prison because of the money you have earned – a hundred thousand dollars around Clinton and Chadwick – and now somebody. one will make a billion dollars of "

Subscribe to eNewsletter

The New Jersey Attorney General has asked all municipal attorneys to postpone marijuana-related offenses in court Municipalities until September The move coincides with state lawmakers studying two separate bills: one for the full legalization of marijuana and another for the decriminalization of small amounts.

Gov The administration of Phil Murphy also increases the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.It can be prescribed for anxiety, migraines and Tourette's syndrome.

Newark is preparing already for a market of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes.

The mayor said that creating a seed fund to help people apply for a dispensary would be "logical" in response to a person's interest. medical market. The Newark Community Economic Development Corporation is soon unveiling a program for those wishing to get involved in the cannabis industry, said Aisha Glover, president and chief executive officer of the agency

] Ron Rice, former city councilor and Newark leader. opposes the law of legalization of Senator Nicholas Scuatri.

The panel yesterday included all advocates of legalization, including MP Jamel Holley and MP Angela McKnight. Both said they would not support a bill that does not have a social equity component.

"I will not support a bill if it does not have a social equity program, if it is not the case If we have not community reinvestment funds and if we do not have the means to protect our communities, we will have accelerated the resignation process, "says Holley, who represents Scutari with parts of the county. ;Union. 19659002] The tilt of the panel towards full legalization was not lost for a participant: Bishop Jethro James, of the Baptist Church of Paradise. The mayor said Rice was invited to the panel, but that she could not do it.

"No bill will stop you from being tested for drugs in this state," added James, adding that the cannabis industry has enough jobs to get the black community out of the country. poverty.

None of the panel members spoke badly of Rice, who would have raised concerns about edible products like marijuana cupcakes if Scutari's bill was pbaded.

"The press has a funny way of trying to stand against each other.I will tell you that you will not have a negative comment to make about Senator Ron Rice about of this question and this conversation, "said Holley, who was applauded by the mayor

" We are black men.Unfortunately, we are not in agreement on this, but we must not we disrespect. "

Marijuana is used by African Americans and whites at about the same rate, according to a 2013 study by the American Civil Liberties Union. A disproportionate share of marijuana arrests The effects of a marijuana conviction also last, causing a person to lose financial badistance, housing or driver's license.

was not allowed to ask the mayor questions, may s a spokesman for the mayor clarified by e-mail that Baraka supports legalization.

"We have to organize ourselves in a way that we are not the victims of other people's politics," said Baraka, "we make sure we are not on the menu, other panel speakers" Yesterday included MP Donald Payne Jr., marijuana entrepreneur Virgil Grant, criminal defense attorney Ray Hamlin, the New Jersey Cannabis Sector Association Hugh O & # 39; Beirne and ACLU Political Advisor Dianna Houenou 19659002] Find TAPinto Newark on Facebook and Twitter Download the TAPinto Mobile App for Android or iOS.

[ad_2]
Source link