Gov. Phil Murphy reiterated his reasoning as to why the legal status of marijuana remains in limbo Wednesday afternoon. He did not offer any new information.
“There are two principles that have guided us on this,” Murphy said. “No. 1: The last thing any of us wants is our kids getting tied up in the criminal justice system, especially kids of color. Secondly, the voters voted to legalize adult-use marijuana. It said it right on the referendum: It’s 21 or up.
“Getting both those principles respected is not an easy process.”
On Tuesday, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal officially extended the adjournment of any juvenile or adult cases involving marijuana possession until at least March 31 of this year. Currently, there are two bills sitting on Murphy’s desk unsigned — one would help launch the legal cannabis industry in the state, while the other will halt the arrests that are still being made related to the drug.
Despite the long delay in legalization legislation, Murphy remains confident that a deal will get done.