It is no secret that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is not a supporter of legalized marijuana. Recently, the governor lashed out against Colorado’s newfound recreational pot commence by suggesting the entire industry was a detriment to the quality of life for those living in the Centennial State.
“Go to Colorado and see if you want to live there,” Christie said in April, during his monthly radio show. “See if you want to live in a major city in Colorado, where there are head shops popping up on every corner, and people flying into your airport just to get high. To me, it’s not the quality of life we want to have here in the state of New Jersey.”
Of course, Christie’s snide comments about Colorado did not settle well with proud Democrats across the state. “Colorado offers the greatest quality of life in the nation,” said US Senator Michael Bennett. “In fact, our quality of life is one reason more innovative companies are moving into the state. If Governor Christie does find the time to visit, I’m sure he’ll find our Western hospitality on display.”
Christie, who remains one of the most staunch anti-pot poster icon in American politics, will finally get the opportunity to experience first hand the swagger of legalized cannabis in Colorado this week when he makes stops in both Denver and Aspen as part of his responsibilities as the chairman of the Republican Governors Association.
The governor is scheduled to speak in Denver later this afternoon at a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob Beauprez, followed by a road trip to Aspen on Thursday, where he will campaign at several RGA events.
There is speculation that Christie will make an effort to catch a glimpse of the recreational marijuana market during his stay, if for no other reason than to find some smidgen of ammunition to use against pot advocates back home in New Jersey, and perhaps against the entire nation if he ends up running for president in 2016.
The nightmare of Governor Christie leading the American people would undoubtedly doom the potential of nationwide marijuana reform within the next decade.