2017 NJ Governor's race: on Drugs


Phil Murphy: Focus on racial justice with marijuana legalization.

Racial equity in the cannabis industry has been a problem in states that have legalized the drug. Colorado banned those with marijuana felonies from working in the newly legal industry. That model of legalization is starting to shift. Oakland, California made history when it launched an equity program aimed at remedying drug-war injustices. Instead of banning people with drug convictions from the industry, the city created a program that gave those with pot convictions first dibs on a marijuana business license.

Massachusetts rolled out the first state-wide equity program in the nation last month. Not only do equity applicants get an early start in applying for a license, they also receive help from the state in raising capital and compliance. Meanwhile, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has focused on racial justice in his support for legalization.

Source: Forbes Magazine on 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial race May 7, 2018

Kim Guadagno: Decriminalization, not legalization

Guadagno is opposed to legalizing marijuana, but is in favor of making it easier for patients to get medical marijuana. "Children with proper doctors should have access to medical marijuana. Veterans suffering from PTSD shouldn't have to try every opioid before they get to marijuana," she said. She's also in favor of looking at decriminalization, so that drug offenders won't "go to jail for small quantities."
Source: Asbury Park Press on 2017 New Jersey governor race May 11, 2017

Joe Rullo: Make it a living hell for heroin dealers in NJ

There are numerous examples of heroin dealers getting probation for first time offenses in NJ. All it takes is one time to kill someone with this poison they call heroin. Tell the families who have lost loved ones to this poison that first time dealers should get a break. No heroin dealer should get off with probation of non violent first offense. I will do everything in my power as Governor to make it a living hell for heroin dealers in NJ. With that being said they should be charged for attempt of murder for distribution and automatic manslaughter if someone dies from their distribution. Backed up court systems enabling these criminals to poison our society for court dates as long as one year or more will be another main focus.
Source: 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial campaign website Rullo2017.com Jan 17, 2017

Jim McGreevey: Offer behavioral drug treatment to addicted inmates

Heroin addiction impacts a person's sobriety, judgment, and behavior. Addict inmates have repeatedly told me of spending up to 90% of their time trying to secure their next "hit." Running, gunning and doping are a lifestyle to sustain one's addiction.

The US has roughly 2 million incarcerated persons. Upwards of 70% of incarcerated persons are clinically addicted to drugs/alcohol. 25% of violent offenders in state prisons committed their crime under the influence of a harmful substance. Nationally, only 15% of addicted inmates received professional addictions treatment. The cost of treatment is disproportionately offset by a reduction in drug usage, criminal behavior, and an accrued savings.

New Jersey licenses "clinically based" treatment behind bars. As Hudson County Corrections' Center has recognized, the empty time behind bars provides a structured setting to interrupt drug use and initiate treatment best practices.

Source: Newark Star Ledger OpEd on 2017 New Jersey governor's race Dec 16, 2015

Jim McGreevey: Transition addicted inmates to outpatient drug treatment

[Under NJ's in-prison drug treatment program], counselors offer intensive daily treatment: from sunrise until sunset, clients move from a morning prayer & community meetings to didactics focusing upon sexual abuse, anger management, & domestic violence. As a wizened priest shared, "We can't think our ourselves into new behaviors, but we can behave ourselves into new thinking."

By creating a community apart from the general incarcerated population, the addict adopts new healthy behaviors. Within the daily ritual of the therapeutic community, the addicts mimic new behaviors.

The addict moves from jail to structured, sober housing. Through Mayor Steve Fulop's foresight, at Martin's Place in Jersey City we offer intensive outpatient treatment for addicts and co-occurring treatment for addicted persons with mental health disabilities. If a person fails to abide by the requirements of the addictions treatment protocol, the client is subjected to judicial monitoring or sanctions.

Source: Newark Star Ledger OpEd on 2017 New Jersey governor's race Dec 16, 2015

Steve Fulop: Transition addicted inmates to outpatient drug treatment

[Under NJ's in-prison drug treatment program], counselors offer intensive daily treatment: from sunrise until sunset, clients move from a morning prayer & community meetings to didactics focusing upon sexual abuse, anger management, & domestic violence. As a wizened priest shared, "We can't think our ourselves into new behaviors, but we can behave ourselves into new thinking."

By creating a community apart from the general incarcerated population, the addict adopts new healthy behaviors. Within the daily ritual of the therapeutic community, the addicts mimic new behaviors.

The addict moves from jail to structured, sober housing. Through Mayor Steve Fulop's foresight, at Martin's Place in Jersey City we offer intensive outpatient treatment for addicts and co-occurring treatment for addicted persons with mental health disabilities. If a person fails to abide by the requirements of the addictions treatment protocol, the client is subjected to judicial monitoring or sanctions.

Source: Newark Star Ledger OpEd on 2017 New Jersey governor's race Dec 16, 2015

Ray Lesniak: Ultimately we'll get legalization but wait for other states

Given all that it took to get a medical marijuana program up and running in New Jersey, you might think that the idea of legalizing recreational use of cannabis would be low on the list of agenda items for lawmakers here. But, with states like Colorado and Oregon showing that legalization can prove to be a big budget boon without--so far--a terrible downside, New Jersey lawmakers are planning to at least start seriously talking about it.

Senator Ray Lesniak said he would consult with those involved in drug recovery efforts before making a decision. "I wanna hear more about the experiences in the states and other countries where it is legal," he said. "It's a process; I think ultimately we'll get there but we need more information before a final decision is made."

Source: NJ-TV online on 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial race Nov 13, 2015

Ray Lesniak: Study legalization of recreational cannabis in other states

Given all that it took to get a medical marijuana program up and running in New Jersey, you might think that the idea of legalizing recreational use of cannabis would be low on the list of agenda items for lawmakers here. But, with states like Colorado and Oregon showing that legalization can prove to be a big budget boon without--so far--a terrible downside, New Jersey lawmakers are planning to at least start seriously talking about it.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said he's still studying the issue. "I think that there's certainly pros and cons," he said, "and we've heard both sides of it and we're trying to learn what works in other states."

Senator Ray Lesniak said he would consult with those involved in drug recovery efforts before making a decision. "I wanna hear more about the experiences in the states and other countries where it is legal," he said. "It's a process; I think ultimately we'll get there but we need more information before a final decision is made."

Source: NJTVonline.org on 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial race Nov 13, 2015

Steve Fulop: Wait for other states to see pro's and con's of legalization

Given all that it took to get a medical marijuana program up and running in New Jersey, you might think that the idea of legalizing recreational use of cannabis would be low on the list of agenda items for lawmakers here. But, with states like Colorado and Oregon showing that legalization can prove to be a big budget boon without--so far--a terrible downside, New Jersey lawmakers are planning to at least start seriously talking about it.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said he's still studying the issue. "I think that there's certainly pros and cons," he said this week, "and we've heard both sides of it and we're trying to learn what works in other states and it's very early in the conversation still and we wouldn't wanna do something that has an adverse impact on urban areas like the one I'm responsible for."

Source: NJ-TV online on 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial race Nov 13, 2015

Steve Fulop: Study legalization of recreational cannabis in other states

Given all that it took to get a medical marijuana program up and running in New Jersey, you might think that the idea of legalizing recreational use of cannabis would be low on the list of agenda items for lawmakers here. But, with states like Colorado and Oregon showing that legalization can prove to be a big budget boon without--so far--a terrible downside, New Jersey lawmakers are planning to at least start seriously talking about it.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, said he's still studying the issue. "I think that there's certainly pros and cons," he said this week, "and we've heard both sides of it and we're trying to learn what works in other states and it's very early in the conversation still and we wouldn't wanna do something that has an adverse impact on urban areas like the one I'm responsible for."

Senator Ray Lesniak said he would consult with those involved in drug recovery efforts before making a decision.

Source: NJTVonline.org on 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial race Nov 13, 2015

  • The above quotations are from 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Drugs.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
Candidates and political leaders on Drugs:

Retired Senate as of Jan. 2015:
GA:Chambliss(R)
IA:Harkin(D)
MI:Levin(D)
MT:Baucus(D)
NE:Johanns(R)
OK:Coburn(R)
SD:Johnson(D)
WV:Rockefeller(D)

Resigned from 113th House:
AL-1:Jo Bonner(R)
FL-19:Trey Radel(R)
LA-5:Rod Alexander(R)
MA-5:Ed Markey(D)
MO-9:Jo Ann Emerson(R)
NC-12:Melvin Watt(D)
SC-1:Tim Scott(R) 		Retired House to run for Senate or Governor:
AR-4:Tom Cotton(R)
GA-1:Jack Kingston(R)
GA-10:Paul Broun(R)
GA-11:Phil Gingrey(R)
HI-1:Colleen Hanabusa(D)
IA-1:Bruce Braley(D)
LA-6:Bill Cassidy(R)
ME-2:Mike Michaud(D)
MI-14:Gary Peters(D)
MT-0:Steve Daines(R)
OK-5:James Lankford(R)
PA-13:Allyson Schwartz(D)
TX-36:Steve Stockman(R)
WV-2:Shelley Capito(R) 		Retired House as of Jan. 2015:
AL-6:Spencer Bachus(R)
AR-2:Tim Griffin(R)
CA-11:George Miller(D)
CA-25:Howard McKeon(R)
CA-33:Henry Waxman(D)
CA-45:John Campbell(R)
IA-3:Tom Latham(R)
MN-6:Michele Bachmann(R)
NC-6:Howard Coble(R)
NC-7:Mike McIntyre(D)
NJ-3:Jon Runyan(R)
NY-4:Carolyn McCarthy(D)
NY-21:Bill Owens(D)
PA-6:Jim Gerlach(R)
UT-4:Jim Matheson(D)
VA-8:Jim Moran(D)
VA-10:Frank Wolf(R)
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Page last updated: Jul 26, 2019