The coalition advocating for passage of a referendum to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, has tapped a top state political operative to manage their campaign.

Axel Owen, a former Democratic State Committee political director, will lead NJ CAN 2020, an alliance of organizations forging a joint campaign for a yes vote in the November general election.

The grassroots group is made up of the New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform, including the ACLU of New Jersey, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, Latino Action Network, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, and Law Enforcement Action Partnership, as well as industry partners from the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, the NJ CannaBusiness Association, and Weedmaps.

“This campaign will not be politics as usual in New Jersey. We will center racial justice, help end the failed drug war, and build political power leading to a yes vote in November,” said Amol Sinha, the ACLU of New Jersey executive director. “We’re thrilled to have Axel Owen, a seasoned campaigner, manage this inclusive effort and see to its victory.”

Owen most recently served as statewide organizing director of Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign in New Jersey, and served as campaign manager for the re-election of Assemblymen Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick) and Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough) in 2019.  He managed the 2017 campaign of State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), which toppled a three-term incumbent.

“Cannabis-related…