New Jerseyites Don't Mind Smelling Weed In Public, State Regulators Launch Cannabis Safety Campaign

New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission announced the launch of its year-long statewide cannabis safety campaign.

As of Monday, Oct 16, billboards, posters, web and social media advertising as well as interactive TV ads will promote being "Cannabis Smart. Cannabis Safe"

The campaign, produced with the Princeton Partners marketing firm will drive engagement to the agency's Safe-Use website page, which has science-based information on cannabis use, safety and more.

The outdoor portion of the campaign will utilize digital billboards along New Jersey's major roadways and include posters in beauty salons and barber shops across the state for localized awareness.

The ads include messages to teenagers, parents of young children, seniors, drivers and pregnant and nursing women, as well as reminders to cannabis consumers to buy from legal dispensaries where they can be assured of safety. They will also instruct people on how to store their cannabis and weed products properly to avoid accidental ingestion.

See also: New Jersey Issues New Guidance For Protecting Workers Who Consume Cannabis

NJ-CRC executive director Jeff Brown said safety and equity are the main goals of the commission.

"Safety is one of the values – with equity – that we have embraced as part of our mission and duty to the public," Brown said in a press release. "While the enabling legislation stipulates the Commission provide information to the public about safe and responsible cannabis consumption, we see safety and harm reduction messaging as more than legal obligation." 

Commissioner Krista Nash seconded Brown.

"Our top priority is the safety, health, and well-being of all New Jerseyans – whether they are cannabis consumers or not," Nash said. "Launching this campaign demonstrates New Jersey's dedication to responsible legalization, emphasizing safe use among adults while protecting our youth and vulnerable populations."

New Jerseyites Don't Mind Smelling Marijuana In Public Places

Meanwhile, the new campaign's launch comes on the heels of Stockton University's poll revealing that 57% of New Jerseyites that participated in the survey said they smell marijuana in public either often (28%) or sometimes (29%). Simultaneously, most (52%) said don't mind smelling cannabis in public spaces.

Only one-third of those asked (32%) said they rarely smell cannabis, while 9% claimed to have never smelled the scent of weed.

The survey included nearly 600 residents and was released this week by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.

Photo: Courtesy of Ahmed Zayan on Unsplash