New Jersey Dedicates $15 Million from Cannabis Tax Fund to Violence Intervention Programs

TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy, in collaboration with Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, recently unveiled an initiative committing $15 million to Community-Based Violence Intervention (CBVI) programs, with a portion of these funds stemming from New Jersey’s dedicated cannabis tax fund.

The recent allocation demonstrates Governor Murphy’s consistent commitment to violence intervention, having previously channeled over $40 million into CBVI programs since 2021. This year’s contribution features $5 million procured directly from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund.

“Pockets of our state have been marked by violence for far too long. Our administration has been resolute in its commitment to address this issue since its inception,” said Governor Murphy. He further acknowledged the critical strides made through CBVI programs, thanking Attorney General Platkin for his unwavering commitment to community safety.

CBVI initiatives primarily target areas with high incidences of violence, deploying a comprehensive public health approach to break the cycles of violence. Efforts include mentorship, street outreach, trauma support services, and targeted afterschool programs, among others.

Attorney General Platkin reiterated the state’s priority of ensuring residents’ safety, emphasizing the significance of community-led efforts that tackle violence at its root. “With the leadership of Gov. Murphy, we are continuing to amplify the State’s unprecedented investment in this crucial work, putting resources directly into grassroots organizations,” said Platkin.

Organizations keen on tapping into this funding, which offers up to $750,000, must prove a successful track record in violence intervention. They have until September 26 to submit applications through the Department of Law and Public Safety.

New Jersey’s consistent financial commitment to CBVI is evident in its progressive funding: $10 million in 2021, $20 million in 2022, and the current year’s allocation. Over 31 community organizations benefit from these funds.

Other states, like California, have also utilized cannabis tax revenue for community initiatives. The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development announced a $48 million fund last May, sourced from cannabis tax revenue, supporting various organizations.

Following the legalization of adult-use cannabis in February 2021, New Jersey witnessed its cannabis market soar. Q3 2022 registered over $100 million in adult-use cannabis sales. Jeff Brown, the Executive Director of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, highlighted the burgeoning potential of the state’s cannabis sector.

Q1 figures for 2023, as per the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, recorded $474,407,516 in recreational cannabis receipts and $204,731,182 from medical cannabis.

The investment into CBVI programs signifies the broader socioeconomic impact of a regulated cannabis industry, beyond merely the generation of state revenue.