New Jersey Continues To Use Marijuana Tax Money The Right Way

With the legalization of marijuana in many states, there has been a lot of discussion about how to best utilize the tax revenue generated from this industry. While some cities and states have chosen to use this money for budget shortfalls or increase law enforcement spending, New Jersey is taking a different approach.

In a recent press release by Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, it was announced that New Jersey continues to use marijuana tax money the right way with $5.2 million in funds allocated for the continued support of the New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP). This approach has been praised by experts and community members alike, as it focuses on using the revenue for good in the community rather than just filling gaps in a budget.

The New Jersey Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (NJHVIP) was established in 2020 with the goal of providing support and resources to victims of violence. This initiative uses funds from the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund, which reinvests in the communities most impacted by cannabis criminalization.

The program was initially funded by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which provides federal funding for programs that support crime victims. With this initial funding, NJHVIP was able to operate successfully and demonstrate its impact on communities in New Jersey.

“NJHVIP sites connect victims to a multidisciplinary team of trauma-informed, survivor-centered service providers to facilitate recovery and reduce the long-term impact of victimization while reducing the likelihood of retaliation. These teams are composed of medical and community providers such as clinicians, social workers, case managers, violence interventionists, and community health workers, all of whom coordinate the provision of a comprehensive range of services for victims and their families. Victims are able to leave their treating hospitals already engaged in services, which range from crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and peer support to applying for resources from VIVA’s Victim of Crime Compensation Office and getting connected to mental health and substance use interventions.” via the press release.

The NJHVIP has made available more than $45 million in federal and state funding for NJHVIP sites across the state.

“Our innovative hospital-based intervention programming has shown the benefits of interrupting cycles of violence at the hospital bedside,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, the funding we are announcing today demonstrates the clear commitment to continuing our public health approach to public safety, supporting our community partners, and providing victims of violent crime critical services at a time of crisis. This is how we forge a path to healing and greater safety.”

How NJHVIP Continues to Help Communities

Thanks to the continued support from Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin, $5.2 million has been allocated to 11 HVIP sites across different counties in New Jersey. These funds will support the program until December 31, 2024.

This is a significant achievement for NJHVIP and its efforts to reduce retaliatory violence and provide resources for victims of violence. It is also a testament to the success of using marijuana tax revenue for good in communities rather than just filling budget gaps.

The legalization of marijuana has brought about a new stream of revenue for the state, and this is just one example of how it can be used to benefit the community. By reinvesting in programs like NJHVIP, New Jersey is taking a proactive approach to addressing crime and promoting public safety.

Below is a list of all 11 locations.

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