New Jersey Has Hit The “100 Dispensary Mark”
I suppose this is cause for celebration. The 100th marijuana dispensary has opened in our fine state of gardens. That’s right, campers: We’ve got 100 marijuana dispensaries in the state. According to statistics and a press release by the Governor, the state is up to an actual total of 102 pot shops. For some people, it’s quite an accomplishment. For others, it’s a case of, “what took so long?”
Pot Dispensaries, A Very Brief History
New Jersey’s first marijuana dispensary was in Montclair. That location opened up in 2012, two full years after then Governor Jon Corzine signed legislation that legalized marijuana for medicinal use as one of his final acts as he left office in 2010. Hard to believe, but some form of legal marijuana has been in effect in our state for a full 14 years. As we all know, the process to open dispensaries was plagued by red tape, foot dragging, and politics. In other words it was slowed down by typical New Jersey stuff.
After Corzine left office, Gov. Christie wasn’t a big fan of the idea. His administration did a lot of foot dragging. But, once Governor Murphy came along the process to open up pot dispensaries sped up. It still took forever, but no one could argue that Murphy wasn’t a supporter of the legal weed.
Legal Recreational Dispensaries
Of course, the law that Corzine signed was for medical mary-jane. These days the residents of Garden State enjoy the recreational use of the cheebah. That is because, of course, we voted for recreational use of the green goddess in the 2020 election. It was public question #1 in our voting booth. Interestingly, the measure passed with 67% of the overall vote. The vote totals broke down a little more even for the northern Jersey Shore counties. The vote in favor was 65.6% in Monmouth County. The vote to approve was 60.1% in Ocean County. Lots of New Jerseyans have stopped by a location to try out the system. I remember when I made my first visit:
I found the process to be clunky and complicated. But, since then it’s become pretty chill.
The 100 marijuana dispensaries mark is a bit more impressive if you consider that a lot of towns have banned their existence in their communities. Why? Because of the bogey man. Or something. Pot has gone viral and mainstream and even more.
So, congrats to the state on the 100 mark. How will you celebrate? Perhaps you’ll need a munchie?
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