Rider University wants the public to know the truth when it comes to marijuana legalization. It is hosting "Marijuana: Weeding Out The Truth 2018," on Thursday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center's Cavalla Room. The discussion will aim to find a balance among marijuana legalization efforts with particular focus on safety concerns, legal versus illegal use, marketing and its effect on children, and taxation effects.

The forum is presented in collaboration with One Voice, an initiative made up of the Prevention Coalition of Mercer County, the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addictions, and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. The forum, co-sponsored by Rider's Health Studies Institute, will discuss how New Jersey would be impacted if marijuana is legalized.



Cathleen Lewis, former director of public and government affairs for AAA Northeast;

the Honorable Stephen D. Reid, mayor of Point Pleasant Beach;

Grace Hanlon, director of New Jersey Responsible Approaches To Marijuana Policy; and

Robert Czepiel '92, supervising deputy attorney general for the State of New Jersey with over 22 years of experience as a prosecutor at the state and county levels.

Featured speakers will include:

"We hope this forum will provide an open space for honest discussion about this controversial issue," said Susan Stahley, alcohol/drug and sexual assault prevention education coordinator at Rider University. "Understanding the potential real-world ramifications is necessary for government officials, law enforcement, school administrators, prevention and treatment specialists, and local businesses."

