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Is the Garden State Becoming a

“Green” State? School Leaders

Need to Prepare for the Legalization

of Recreational Marijuana

By Kimberly Clark, Ed.D., Assistant Principal, Pinelands Regional School District

With the likelihood of legislation being History by adults (Procon.org, 2017). There
approved in New Jersey that permits has been an upsurge of support
the use of recreational marijuana by The perception of cannabis use for the legalization of cannabis for
adults, what can school officials do to has not always been negative. In recreational purposes, and it is
proactively prepare for the impact this the United States, prior to 1937, predicted that New Jersey will be
will have on our educational systems? marijuana was commonly prescribed next in approving its non-medical
Other states are already dealing with as a painkiller. Since that time, the use. Medical marijuana is already
this reality, but research on the topic is use of marijuana was ultimately permitted in NJ, and Governor Phil
scarce and does not focus on its effects made illegal. Recently, however, the Murphy supports its recreational
on education. Although the standard medical benefits of cannabis have legalization. If this is to pass, the
image that comes to mind when one pic- been revived, mostly for patients who increased availability of the drug may
tures someone using marijuana involves have ailments resulting in chronic create an environment where abuse
rolling papers, the popularity of vaping pain (Grinspoon, 2018). At the time of this substance is amplified. If this
and availability of “edibles” has changed of publication, 29 states approved legislation is approved, what impact
the manner of this drug’s use, which, in medical marijuana policies and eight will this have on our schools?
turn, creates challenges for schools. legalized recreational marijuana use

Educational Viewpoints -14- Spring 2018