As it stands today, a federal law lists marijuana as an illegal, schedule I controlled substance. This law prohibits the recreational use and sale of marijuana throughout the United States and has clearly been broken by Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and The District of Columbia. Yes, you read that correctly. Technically, those states (and one district) are currently breaking a federal law. However, the Obama administration has decided to not enforce the law, thus leaving the individual state’s governments to decide whether or not to legalize the drug. That being said, barring the federal government legalizing its use throughout the country, marijuana will not be legalized in New Jersey any time before 2018, when Chris Christie’s second and final term as Governor is over.
Anyone from New Jersey knows that Chris Christie has absolutely no problem telling everyone his political opinions on any issue. When it comes to recreational marijuana use, Mr. Christie couldn’t be more against the idea. In a recent interview, Christie even announced that if he is elected president, he would eliminate the legalization of recreational marijuana use throughout the country due to his belief that it is a gateway drug. He has also gone on record stating that he would veto a bill attempting to decriminalize marijuana use in New Jersey as well. It looks like recreational marijuana will not be discussed unless this federal law changes or a new Governor is elected with the opposite views of Chris Christie on the matter.