Concerns are rising after a survey found that driving while smoking marijuana is on the rise in New Jersey.
According to a survey conducted by Stockton University on 600 New Jersey adults on the 11th, approximately 40% of respondents answered, “I know people who drive while intoxicated with marijuana.”
In New Jersey, recreational use of marijuana will be legalized for people over 21 years of age starting in 2021, and legal sales will begin in 2022. In this situation, indicators have emerged suggesting that marijuana use while driving is becoming more frequent.
Moreover, awareness of marijuana use while driving was found to be low, adding to concerns.
In this survey, 90% of respondents thought that drunk driving was dangerous, while only 51% thought that using marijuana while driving was dangerous. This means that residents lack awareness that marijuana use can lead to serious accidents like drunk driving.
In this regard, the state government announced plans for a public campaign for the safe use of marijuana. One of the key points is that using marijuana while driving is dangerous.
Meanwhile, according to the results of this survey, 57% of respondents said that they often or occasionally smell marijuana in public places. Additionally, 30% said they smell marijuana being smoked in their neighbors’ homes or in other units of their apartments. 52% of respondents said they were not bothered by the smell of marijuana, but 19% said the smell was very bothersome.