Governor Christie has been insisting that marijuana is a gateway to other drug use. Now, his opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana in New Jersey is focusing on the revenue it might generate.
Speaking at an event in Toms River where he highlighted his efforts to combat opioid addiction, Christie said some are moving at breakneck speed to legalize marijuana in the state because they believe it will bring in about $100 million of tax revenue.
"Are we really going to risk the lives of our children and our young adults in this state to give them a greater chance at addiction for $100 million in a $35.5 billion budget? Don't let anybody sell you in this campaign coming up by the way that they money from legalization of marijuana is going to solve any of the big problems in Trenton that are financial in nature. I'm telling you $100 million in a $35 billion budget will not solve anything."
Lawmakers who favor legalizing recreational use are hoping they'll have a chance of enacting legislation after Christie leaves office in January.