NJ Advance Media has learned that Murphy has sent a memo to the bills sponsors and Democratic legislative leaders proposing a handful of changes to the bill, according to several sources close to the negotiations, but who haven’t been authorized to discuss them publicly.
- Those sources said that Murphy proposed:
- Expanding the cap on marijuana growers to 36. The bill had limited the number of cultivators to 23.
- Ending taxes on medical marijuana sales within three years. The bill calls for the 6.625 percent state sales tax to last until 2025.
- Allowing the state Department of Health to continue overseeing the medical marijuana program until Jan. 1, 2021, at which point a newly created Cannabis Regulatory Commission would take over.
- Removing the language that would have allowed indoor and outdoor lounges for patients to consume cannabis.
- Limiting home delivery services to be done by dispensary employees.
Legislative leaders on Monday appeared open to the idea of negotiating with Murphy on the medical marijuana expansion bill, though they wouldn’t comment on any specifics.