A bipartisan bill introduced this week would allow for possession of small amounts of marijuana — but only if voters approve a referendum on legalization.
Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) proposed the bill, NJ A5138, which would ask voters whether they want to legalize recreational marijuana and possession of up to one ounce.
Schepisi, who introduced the bill on Monday, is not an advocate for legalization. In fact, she said, if the question ever gets onto the ballot, she would probably vote against.
“I am not yet sold on the efficacy of actual legalization, but if a majority of the state with the appropriate knowledge of what it means is supportive, I’m willing to put aside my own apprehensions for what the majority wants,” Schepisi said in a phone interview.
Schepisi said state Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex) — the most outspoken state lawmaker against marijuana legalization — plans to sponsor the bill in the upper house.