Chris Christie Threatens To Upend Marijuana Laws

This week, marijuana firms were forced to confront the possibility that their entire industry could go up in smoke following the 2016 Presidential elections. While President Barack Obama has promised to allow states to make their own marijuana laws, the incoming President may take a different stance.

On Tuesday, New Jersey Governor and presidential hopeful Chris Christie became the first candidate to outwardly threaten the industry, saying, "If you're getting high in Colorado today, enjoy it. As of January 2017, I will enforce the federal laws."

Related Link: Poll Shows Marijuana Use Up 40% Since 1969

Caught Between Laws

The marijuana industry has been stuck in limbo since the drug became legal in some states, as federal laws still class cannabis as an illegal substance. For that reason, Obama's promise to maintain a "hands-off" stance on marijuana legalization won't necessarily be the position of his successor. A new administration could decide, as Christie has vowed, to enforce federal laws and do away with legal marijuana completely.

Is That Wise?

Recent surveys show that the attitude regarding pot is changing in America. More and more people are accepting of marijuana use and many have begun to support its legalization due to the amount of tax revenue it brings in. For that reason, most candidates have been vague on their plans for marijuana legislation as the issue has the potential to become polarizing.

Standing Out

Christie's firm stance could bring him down in places where support for marijuana legalization his high, however some say that it could also work to his advantage. At the moment, Christie is the only candidate who has taken a hardline on the marijuana issue, something that could be appealing to voters who don't have a stake in the marijuana industry or oppose it.