FAIRFIELD — Weeks after a state senator introduced a bill that would make the sale and possession of marijuana legal in New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie emphasized today that he is opposed to any effort to legalize pot in the state.

"I'm not going to do that on my watch," the Republican governor told a crowd of about 500 people — including dozens of students — at Winston Churchill Elementary School. "I'm just not. I don't think it’s the right thing to do for our state."

Last month, state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) introduced legislation that would regulate the growth, possession, and sale of recreational marijuana with an aim toward stemming the illegal drug market and provide new tax revenue.

"It's time to update our archaic drug laws and get real about the detrimental effects they are having on the lives of residents here in New Jersey," Scutari said at the time.

A Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press poll released today shows that nearly 60 percent of New Jersey adults say alcohol and tobacco pose a greater hazard than marijuana. Still, the poll also reveals that residents are split on whether to legalize pot, with about 48 percent in favor of making it lawful to buy a small amount and 47 percent opposed to it.

Christie — a possible candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination — has long said he is against legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana because it will send "the wrong message" to children.

"Let me be clear on this: I'm not, as long as I'm governor, going to permit the decriminalization or recreational use of marijuana," the two-term governor told the audience at the town hall at Churchill Elementary School. "If you want someone who will, you're going to have to elect a different governor."

Pot is legal in only two states: Colorado and Washington. Residents in both states voted to legalize the drug in 2012.

New Jersey is one of 20 states to legalize medical marijuana, and last year Christie signed a bill to ease restrictions for children in the program. But he has said he will not expand the medical marijuana program any further.

Gov. Christie holds Town Hall in Fairfield 18 Gallery: Gov. Christie holds Town Hall in Fairfield

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