More than a year after recreational marijuana was legalized in New Jersey, certain dispensaries were given the “ok” to begin selling it.
Although 4/20 is a holiday for stoners everywhere, the state decided 4/21 would be a better start date so as to not overwhelm dispensaries. Nevertheless, lines were wrapped around buildings.
Dispensaries that sell recreational marijuana are spread across the state, however, Curaleaf in Bordentown and Zenleaf in Lawrence Township are close enough to compete in sales, making a competitive local industry.
According to nj.com, the cannabis industry is booming, with 428,000 full-time jobs nationwide, more workers in this field than paramedics, electrical engineers, even dentists. Nonetheless, these jobs support the sales of $25 billion worth of cannabis products.
Training in how to operate dispensaries is a burgeoning industry and MCCC is in on the action. Students can take the non-credit cannabis training program at the college with the upcoming 15 hour course taking place over the summer.
In a survey of 30 MCCC students, half responded that they use marijuana. Of those 88% agreed with legalizing the recreational sale of marijuana.
One student anonymously responded saying, “Yes, it is a great choice economically and medical use has shown many benefits that cigarettes and alcohol never have.”
When students were asked if they thought marijuana affects one’s performance in school, one responded with, “This is not a yes or no. Use it irresponsibly, it will make your life harder, but it can also help people with ADHD and autism perform better.”
It has been proven that marijuana benefits people with ADHD, increasing their dopamine levels allowing them to focus more easily and supporting an overall happier mood.
One student who took the prescription medication Adderall for 2-3 years to help with ADHD has now shifted to marijuana. She says, “Adderall improves focus, but afterward I was really tired and unable to continue, just overall lack of motivation.” Since the shift to marijuana she says,“I’ve done better in school than I ever have before.”
In addition to conditions like ADHD many diseases use medical marijuana for treatment, one example being Parkinson’s disease. Marijuana has the ability to lessen tremors, enabling people to live daily life easier. With recreational use of marijuana now being legal in New Jersey, anyone with a medical issue can try the product if they were unable to obtain a medical card before.
According to nj.com’s reporting, on the first day, “The state’s 12 participating dispensaries sold cannabis and cannabis products to 12,438 recreational cannabis customers for a total gross sale of nearly $1.9 million, according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.”
Whether you agree or disagree with recreational use, it seems that it benefits many people, including NJs economy.
“This is a historic step in our work to create a new cannabis industry.” Tweeted NJ Governor Phil Murphy regarding the April 21 announcement. “New Jersey’s adult-use recreational cannabis market will stand as a model for the entire nation in ensuring racial, social, and economic equity and justice.”
