New Jersey Regulators Announce Marijuana Education Campaign With Plans To Promote Delivery Services To Deter Impaired Drivers

New Jersey’s marijuana regulators announced a new public campaign to promote health and safety in the wake of the state’s legalization laws. This effort will, among other things, encourage adults to use cannabis delivery service to reduce the risk that they are impaired while driving.

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission unveiled a campaign on Wednesday that will last a full year. It will include educational materials, and advertisements promoting issues like preventing marijuana consumption during pregnancy, youth use, and impaired driving awareness.

The “Cannabis Safe / Cannabis Smart” initiative was launched more than a month after New Jersey opened its adult-use market. Regulators and legislators have taken various steps to further the reform, focusing on social equity and safety.

In a Wednesday press release, NJ-CRC’s Executive Director Jeff Brown stated that “While the enabling law stipulates that the Commission provides information to the public on safe and responsible cannabis use, we view safety and harm-reduction messaging as more than a legal obligation.” Safety is one of two values that we’ve embraced in our mission and duties to the public.

One of the most notable aspects of this campaign is impaired driving. Each state that has legalized marijuana has made it clear that driving under the influence is against the law. However, the regulatory agency will be encouraging consumers to use delivery services when they have used marijuana but are unable to drive safely and legally.

Last month, applications for licenses such as wholesale licenses and delivery services were opened. Regulators will begin by prioritizing those who have been disproportionately affected by the cannabis prohibition enforcement.

A spokesperson for NJCRC confirmed to Marijuana Moment that the state would spend money on advertising other cannabis-related issues related to public health and safety, but there wouldn’t be any ads “directly marketing delivery services”.

She said that “the public-relations and community outreach messages” that will be incorporated into the ads would encourage alternative methods to driving when impaired. One of these alternatives is having cannabis delivered by a retailer offering delivery, or in the future a delivery service.

During a Wednesday press conference, Commissioner Krista Naish, co-chairperson of the panel’s Public Engagement and Education Committee said that the members’ “top priorities are the safety, the health and the well-being for all New Jerseyans, whether they consume cannabis or not.”

She said, “Launching the campaign shows New Jersey’s commitment to responsible legalization. It emphasizes safe use among adults while protecting our youth, and vulnerable populations.”

Nash stated that the campaign aims to “prevent impaired drivers and encourage people to use delivery services, which are currently allowed by dispensaries but will become more widely available once delivery service licenses have been granted.”

Starting on October 16, New Jersey is going to start displaying digital billboards alongside major highways. In addition, posters with cannabis safety messages will be displayed in barbershops and salons. Advertising will be placed on streaming services, as well as other online places.

Dianne Calello said, “We applaud the NJ-CRC for its commitment to ensure that cannabis users in New Jersey receive education and information,” at the event on Wednesday. “The majority (of child-related exposures) are due to edible products that are left in plain sight or in places where they are easily accessible. Many of these are candy-like illegal substances.”

She said that despite strict packaging and sale regulations, no product is childproof. “This campaign is a great way to reinforce the importance of safe storage,” she added.

Below are some examples and materials that the Commission will use to publicize and distribute:

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced last week it would grant $12 million to 48 licensed cannabis operators in order to help them expand and start their businesses. The state is trying to eliminate barriers for people to enter the legal cannabis industry, particularly those from communities that have been disproportionately affected by the drug-war.

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Last month, state regulators started accepting public comments about a proposal to create a permit that would allow “clinically-focused” dispensaries to enter into partnerships to carry out cannabis research with products they sell or grow to patients.

Separately there are concerns about the current cannabis supply in the state, as consumers have complained of high prices. The upcoming wholesaler, distributor and delivery service licensing expansion may help to address this issue.

Below is a pamphlet that New Jersey officials are distributing with “safe-use tips”.

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Photo by WeedPornDaily.

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