NEW FDU POLL SHOWS MAJORITY OF NEW JERSEYANS
OPPOSE LEGALIZING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA
“Anyone who expected legalization to happen quickly and easily might reconsider given these findings,” said Krista Jenkins to the Star-Ledger, professor of political science and director of the FDU Poll.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2018
CONTACT: Jeanette Hoffman 908-418-0859
TRENTON – The majority of New Jerseyans oppose legalizing recreational marijuana, according to a recent poll conducted and paid for by Fairleigh Dickinson University. According to the poll, only 42 percent of New Jersey residents 18 and older approve of legalizing recreational marijuana use and sales when given a choice. The majority of residents, 53 percent, want recreational marijuana to remain illegal, or to be decriminalized and treated like a traffic ticket. The poll also showed that only 34 percent of women – regardless of race or party – approved of legalization, compared to 51 percent of men. 
“As more and more local governments come forward to oppose legalizing pot, this poll sends a clear message to Governor Murphy and state legislators that the majority New Jerseyans do not want Big Marijuana to profit at the expense of their communities and families,” said Kevin Sabet, PhD., founder of New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP). The poll also found 25 percent of NJ residents would try marijuana if it was legal, which would represent a significant increase in marijuana use. Current HHS data find that only 6.9 percent of New Jersey residents 18 and older used marijuana at least once in the past month, and 12.1 percent in the past year. “Anyone who expected legalization to happen quickly and easily might reconsider given these findings,” said Krista Jenkins to the Star-Ledger, professor of political science and director of the FDU Poll.
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