By Joa Rojas

It’s a brisk fall morning, the last kid has walked out the door for school, and the coffee is hot, light and sweet.

Flick lighter…Inhale…Exhale… the first joint of the day is lit. We can now clean the overpriced house, cook the inflation-ravaged meals, pick the kids up from what’s left of school, and ignore that the world around us is on fire.

This past summer I moved to a quaint South Jersey town, expecting a quiet, suburban lifestyle. But what I encountered was a surprising cannabis culture. Dispensaries, once a rarity, now dot the landscape, catering to a seemingly endless demand.

Don’t get me wrong, I, too, benefit from the therapy of cannabis, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?

So, who are these folks buying up all this weed? It’s no longer just the stereotypical “stoner,” but a diverse cross-section of society: stressed-out parents, overworked professionals, and even our seemingly idyllic neighbors. They’re the ones seeking relief from the pressures of daily life, the ones who’ve traded in wine nights for vape pens. And who can blame them? In a world that often feels out of control, a little escape can seem like a necessity.

While cannabis can offer some individuals therapeutic benefits, the normalization of substance use as a primary coping mechanism for societal stress is concerning.

The Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner of New Jersey reported 2,564 suspected drug overdose deaths statewide in 2023, a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse. As this suburban cannabis culture continues to evolve, it’s essential to consider the consequences of normalizing substance use for depression and anxiety.

New Jersey’s legalization of adult-use, non-medicinal marijuana in 2021 has undoubtedly contributed to this trend, with a surge in dispensary numbers, and an apparent growing acceptance of recreational use. As we embrace the convenience, we must also acknowledge that it comes at a cost.

In September, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill concerning intoxicating hemp drinks, S-3235/A-4461. The law ultimately bans the unlicensed sale of these drinks,(but they remain available, for now, even in outlets like gas stations). Its most concerning aspect is a path to allow licensed liquor stores to apply for permission to sell these hemp drinks. Without clearer regulations, this could lead to a surge in low-quality, potentially dangerous products flooding the market.

Also, by allowing ordinary liquor stores to sell these products, we risk normalizing excessive consumption and potentially exacerbating public health problems. This, coupled with the ongoing opioid crisis, underscores the importance of responsible consumption and a robust regulatory framework for intoxicating drugs.

Statistics show that a staggering 52% of millennials reported experiencing anxiety in 2022, by far the highest percentage among age groups. They also reported higher levels of depression and loneliness. The irony is striking. A generation burdened by anxiety, depression, stress and the lingering shadow of the opioid crisis is turning to cannabis for solace.

As this suburban cannabis culture blooms, it raises questions about the long-term consequences. Are we truly addressing underlying issues or simply masking them with a temporary high? While it may offer temporary relief, it’s a superficial solution to deeper societal problems.

Of course, the legalization of cannabis in New Jersey can generate significant economic benefits, such as increased tax revenue and job creation. Some would also argue that it is an effective harm-reduction strategy, reducing such problems if users had turned to opioids instead.

All true. However, it’s imperative to strike a balance between economic wealth, individual liberty, and public health. The solution cannot stop at substituting one substance for another. By prioritizing public health and safety, we can mitigate potential risks and maximize the positive impacts of this emerging industry.

While immediate action is necessary, such as asking the governor and the Legislature for stricter regulations on intoxicating hemp drinks, a long-term, multifaceted approach is crucial.

We must move beyond quick fixes and temporary escapes to address the root causes of stress and anxiety within our communities. This necessitates investing in robust social safety nets and strong community support systems, and prioritizing accessible mental health services. By creating a more equitable and resilient society, we can ensure that cannabis, when used, serves as a tool for wellness rather than a crutch for escaping the realities of a challenging world.

Joa Rojas is a masters degree candidate in public administration and nonprofit management and policy at New York University, a mother of two, and a U.S. Marines veteran. She writes from Gloucester Township.

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