Addiction and Substance Abuse

Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Use

On November 3, 2020, New Jersey voters approved Ballot Question #1, legalizing recreational marijuana use for individuals over the age of 21.

The approval of the ballot question made the possession and recreational use of marijuana a constitutional right for individuals 21 years of age and older in New Jersey. This constitutional right went into effect on January 1, 2021.

On Monday, February 22, 2021, Governor Murphy signed a series of bills that will:

• Establish the Regulatory system for the production and sale of Adult use Marijuana;
• Decriminalize the possession of marijuana; and 
• Address the penalities for underage use/possession of marijuana.

The New Jersey Catholic Conference Public Policy Committee has prepared the following resource to assist Catholics with understanding the complexities and the potential negative health effects related to the use of recreational marijuana:

Working Paper to Inform Catholic Organizations On Possible Impacts of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana inew Jersey

External Resources:

Marijuana and Public Health -- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God….”

Based on Scripture and Tradition, the Catholic Church teaches “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #228)

Pope Francis has unequivocally stated that drug use is incompatible with human life. In the pope's 2014 address to the International Drug Enforcement Conference in Rome.

“Let me state this in the clearest terms possible: the problem of drug use is not solved with drugs! Drug addiction is an evil, and with evil there can be no yielding or compromise,” the pope said. “To think that harm can be reduced by permitting drug addicts to use narcotics in no way resolves the problem. Attempts, however limited, to legalize so-called ‘recreational drugs’, are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint, but they fail to produce the desired effects.”

Catholics and all people of good will are reminded that our bodies are gifts from God and temples of the Holy Spirit. As such, we should refrain from any activity that could present serious harm to the human body.

However, we believe this is not always possible. Countless individuals and families continue to suffer from the devastating effects of addiction to illicit drugs, pornography, gambling, and alcohol.

We are called to make every attempt to assist indiviudals and families suffering from additiction. Our efforts must be rooted in the belief that all people are created in the image and likeness of God. In all encounters, we must treat individuals suffering from any form of addiction with respect, compassion, and mercy. 

The Catholic Church is committed to providing resources intended to help individuals and families suffering from addiction. 

The New Jersey Catholic Conference is committed to working to support legislation and public policies that promote the dignity of all individuals suffering from any form of addiction. 

New Jersey’s Catholic Charities agencies provide substance abuse programs and counseling services. If you or someone you know is in need of help due to addiction, please contact one of the Catholic Charities agencies for assistance:

Diocese of Camden Catholic Charities Addiction Services

Diocese of Trenton Catholic Charities Addiction Services 

Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Charities Counseling Services

Straight and Narrow: Dioceses of Paterson Catholic Charities