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New Jersey residents say right to use cannabis at home outweighs right not to smell neighbor’s use, poll shows

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More than a year into cannabis legalization in New Jersey, people say they’re noticing the smell of cannabis — but most aren’t bothered by it, according to a new poll. The survey also shows that far more people believe driving under the influence of alcohol to be “very dangerous” than say the same about getting behind the wheel after consuming marijuana.

About half of adults in the state report having smelled marijuana from a neighboring house or apartment, according to the poll from Stockton University’s Hughes Center for Public Policy. But more respondents said they think the right to use legal marijuana in one’s own home (31 percent) is more important than the right not to have to smell cannabis being used by a neighbor (16 percent).

Nearly half of participants (46 percent) said they thought the two rights were equally important.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

People aren’t smelling cannabis all the time, of course: 14 percent said they smelled it coming from a neighbor often, 15 percent said it happened sometimes and 21 percent said it was rare. Another 49 percent said they never smell neighbors’ cannabis consumption.

Meanwhile 57 percent of New Jersey adults said they’ve smelled marijuana in public places either often (28 percent) or sometimes (29 percent). A third (32 percent) said they smell it rarely in public, while just 9 percent said they never have.

“Not much thought was given to the issue of the smell of marijuana becoming part of the public landscape in New Jersey,” John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center, said in a Wednesday press release about the survey. “There are hardly any places to legally consume these products, so people are lighting up in parks, at festivals, in parking lots and on the street.”

Of all respondents, 90 percent said they were able to identify the smell of cannabis. And a majority (52 percent) said it doesn’t bother them at all. Another 19 percent said it bothers them “a great deal” while 28 percent said it bothers them somewhat.

While the new survey captures a snapshot of New Jerseyans’ experience since legalization, the report is silent on the degree to which residents smelled or were bothered by cannabis use prior to legalization.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Views on some questions varied considerably based on whether or not a person had consumed cannabis products in the past year. Among people who had, for example, 55 percent felt that the right to use legal marijuana in one’s home outweighed a neighbor’s right to not have to smell it in theirs. Among people who didn’t consume marijuana, just 21 percent felt that way.

Strong majorities of both groups, however—75 percent of cannabis consumers and 91 percent of nonusers—agreed that driving while high is dangerous. And most (52 percent and 81 percent of consumers and nonconsumers, respectively) believe it’s important to have a roadside test to determine a driver’s level of impairment.

The development of a roadside drug test was more important to Republicans, 62 percent of whom said it was very important compared to 42 percent of Democrats and 45 percent of independents.

Of all respondents, 39 percent said they knew somebody who has driven while under the influence of marijuana, and 56 percent said they did not.

Respondents seemed to feel that cannabis presents less of a danger than driving drunk. Fifty-one percent of respondents said driving while high on marijuana is extremely dangerous, while 90 percent said that of drunk driving.

Froonjian said in Stockton’s press release that driving under the influence of any substance “is a bad idea that causes accidents,” adding that responsible users “must avoid driving while high on weed.”

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission this week unveiled a campaign to, in part, encourage adults to use cannabis delivery services to mitigate the risk of impaired driving.

Commissioner Krista Nash, co-chair of the panel’s Public Engagement and Education Committee, said during a press conference on Wednesday that members’ “top priority is the safety, health, and well-being of all New Jerseyans—whether they are cannabis consumers or not.”

Gona Coleman/Weedmaps

Applications for delivery service licenses, as well as other license types like wholesales, opened up last month. Regulators are starting by prioritizing people who have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition enforcement.

Regulators also recently voted to allow THC-infused products such as brownies and edibles and have proposed allowing dispensaries to partner with research institutions to use real-world marijuana products in studies.

The state recently awarded $12 million in grant money to 48 licensed cannabis operators to help them start and expand their businesses, part of an effort to remove barriers to entry to the legal industry, especially among people from communities disproportionately harmed by the drug war.

New Jersey officials also recently announced the availability of $5.5 million in marijuana revenue to support a hospital-based violence intervention grants program.


This article originally appeared on Marijuana Moment.





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The Best Tariff Friendly Cocktails

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The weekend is for fun, so here are some affordable cocktails to kick back and relax

There has been a buzz about tariffs and the global stock markets are quaking. But most don’t realize at the end of hte day, as people settle down, their favorite cocktails will be hit. Foreign alcohol is significantly impacted by tariffs imposed by the current adminstartion. These tariffs include a 25% levy on all beer imports, additional tariffs on aluminum used in beer cans, and varying tariffs on wines and spirits from different regions. Popular brands such as Guinness stout (produced by Diageo), Italian Campari liqueur, and imported beers like Corona and Heineken are directly affected. Tequila has been on the list, but currently has escaped.  To help the wallet and the throat, here are the best tariff friendly cocktails.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Strawberry Bourbon Basil Smash

What better way to relax than with some good, old-fashioned bourbon.  This cocktail combines the rich flavor of barrel aged bourbon with spring treats like strawberries and fresh basil.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh strawberries, cut into chunks
  • 5 leaves fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 3 fluid ops bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ice, or as needed
  • 3 fluid ozs sparkling water, or as needed

Create

  1. Muddle strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant
  2. Add bourbon and ice
  3. Stir to combine
  4. Top with sparkling water

Hard Ball

After a tough week or if you just want to start the evening off with a different note, consider this cocktail. The story of peanut butter whiskey, most notably Skrewball, begins with Steven Yeng, a Cambodian refugee who, after immigrating to the US, developed a love for peanut butter and later combined it with whiskey to create a popular cocktail at his bar, which eventually led to the creation of the brand in 2018. Skrewball is made in San Diego.

Ingredients

  • 1½ ozs Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • 4 ozs Berry flavored Hard Seltzer

Create

  1. Combine ingredients in a highball glass
  2. Add ice
  3. Stir and enjoy

American Mule

Vodka’s history is rooted in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Poland claiming its origins, though the word “vodka” itself is Russian, meaning “little water”. While the exact origins are debated, the earliest written records of vodka-like spirits appear in the 14th century, with the word “wódka” appearing in Polish documents in 1405.  But why not put an American spin on it using Tito’s, which is made in Texas, and have a popular American Mule.

  • 1 1/2 oz Tito’s Vodka
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 lime slice for garnish

Create

  1. Combine ingredients in a chilled glass
  2. Add ice and stir
  3. Garnish with lime wedge

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Cucumber Gimlet

This cocktail feels like you are diving directly into summer, skipping spring.  The cucumber brings a whole level of freshness.  Crisp, cool and completely tariff free.

Ingredients

  • 3 cucumber wheels, thickly sliced
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2 ozs gin
  • 3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • Cucumber wheel, sliced thinly for garnish

Create

  1. Add the cucumber wheels and simple syrup into a shaker and muddle
  2. Add the gin, the lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled
  3. Strain into a coupe glass
  4. Garnish with a cucumber wheel



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Cannabis Consumers Are Being Hit By The Tariffs

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Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs.  What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things.  But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

RELATED: Mixed Messages From The Feds About Cannabis

For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

RELATED: How To Be Discreet When Using Weed

Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.

The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.



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The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe

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Spring is about renewal and beauty – so why not use this time to refresh your look and wardrobe?

Winter is behind us and temperatures rising. It is time to move from heavier winter clothing to lighter, warmer-weather pieces. And maybe adding some brighter colors and lighter fabrics. But what about a refresh of your look also? While it is hard to pinpoint an exact number, a significant portion of people according to retail research, feel they need new clothes and are actively updating their wardrobes. But do you need to have to look for you? Her are the best tips to update your wardrobe.

RELATED: Tips To Develop A Better Morning Routine

We asked Harmony Arnold, an image consultant and wardrobe stylist with over two decades of experience enhancing personal and professional image, what do when looking into your closet.  With an extensive background in costume design for film, theatre, commercial advertising, and emerging mediums like VR, Harmony brings a nuanced understanding of how visual storytelling influences perception and leadership. Arnold works with executives, public figures, tech and creative professionals.

The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe - Harmony Arnold

Take a Hard Look at Your Go-To’s

We all have a uniform—did you know most people wear only 10% of their wardrobe on repeat? It’s time for a spring-clean refresh! Keep what makes you feel confident, retire the worn-out pieces, and swap in elevated essentials that work for you. For men, that might mean reassessing your favorite jeans and tees—are they still in great shape, or are they past their prime? Upgrade to well-fitting denim, fresh button-downs, and structured casualwear that feels effortlessly put together.

Make Sure It Fits Like a Dream

Even the best clothes fall flat if they don’t fit just right. Tailoring is your secret weapon, whether it’s hemming your trousers, wearing a blazer, or making sure your shirts skim—not cling to—your frame. A fitted (not tight) Oxford shirt, properly tapered chinos, and a blazer that defines your shoulders will instantly elevate your style and get you noticed. 

Invest in Forever Pieces

Think of your wardrobe as a curated collection—fewer, better pieces make getting dressed effortless. For men, this means a great pair of dark denim, a versatile, well-tailored blazer, and crisp white or neutral button-ups with a proper hemline. A well-made leather sneaker or a classic loafer can seamlessly take you from casual outings to business casual settings.

RELATED: The Science Behind Why Music Sounds So Much Better When You’re High

Lighten Up & Layer Like a Pro

Say goodbye to heavy winter fabrics and hello to easy-breezy layers! Swap out your wool suits for lightweight cotton or linen versions. A lightweight jacket or an unstructured blazer is a great way to add polish without overheating. Looking to refresh your palette? Soft blues, sage greens, and light neutrals are easy ways to bring a seasonal update without straying too far from what you grab in the fall and winter seasons. 

Accessorize Like You Mean It

Nothing transforms a look faster than the right accessories. Swap out your wintery dark leather belt and shoes for lighter tans or soft suedes. Consider a woven belt for a relaxed but polished feel. A statement watch, an upgraded pair of sunglasses, or even a well-chosen pocket square can bring personality to your look without going over the top. (Hint: Accessories are also the easiest way to dip into a new vibe without a complete wardrobe overhaul!).



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