One possible compromise would scrap the sales tax, which fluctuates based on price point, and instead tax cannabis by weight. That way Murphy and Sweeney save face, and New Jersey avoids what befell Oregon, where nosediving cannabis prices crashed revenue projections.
State leaders are also squabbling over the commission that’ll regulate legal cannabis sales.
According to Alma Saravia, an attorney who advises physicians on compliance with New Jersey’s medical cannabis program, the leading legalization bill provides that the commission would have five members with expertise in various issues such as public health, mental health, or substance use disorders.
The governor would appoint three of the five commission members (including the chair) with the advice and consent of the Senate. The other two members would be appointed by the Senate president and the Assembly speaker, respectively. The governor’s appointees would still be in the majority.
“This proposal is similar to the new five-member Cannabis Control Commission that was created in Massachusetts,” said Saravia, “which has authorized both adult-use and medical marijuana.”