Apparently there’s a deal to legalize cannabis in NJ.
Senate President Steve Sweeney told an audience at Monmouth University that a vote is imminent.
“Our goal is March 25th,” Sweeney said.
If true, NJ would become the second state (after Vermont) to legalize cannabis legislatively. Ten states + DC have ended cannabis prohibition at the ballot box.
In neighboring New Jersey, top lawmakers announced early Tuesday that they have reached a deal on legalization after months of talks and negotiations. The details are expected to be released in the coming days, according to media reports. Gov. Phil Murphy said a vote will be held on March 25 for both houses to approve the bill, paving the way for him to sign it into law.
“Legalizing adult-use marijuana is a monumental step to reducing disparities in our criminal justice system,” Murphy said in a statement.
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will likely be one of the power centers of state government following a deal between Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders to legalize marijuana in New Jersey.
The commission will issue licenses and regulate the industry in a manner akin to the Casino Control Commission in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The draft version of the bill gives them investigatory authority in the prosecution of violations.
Adult-use marijuana will be governed by a Cannabis Regulatory Commission, composed of five members. Three members will be appointed by the Governor, with the Governor’s initial appointments to serve terms of at least four years and not be subject to Senate confirmation. Two other members will be appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendations of the Speaker and Senate President. The Commission will promulgate all regulations to govern the industry and will oversee the applications for licensing of adult-use marijuana dispensaries.
Should the bill pass, New Jersey would become the second state, after Vermont, to legalize marijuana through the legislative process.
However, passage of the bill is not guaranteed. While Democrats control both chambers of the New Jersey legislature, the state Senate is reportedly six votes short of the necessary 21 and the General Assembly is three votes shy of the necessary 41.
- New Jersey legislators joined Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in announcing Tuesday a bill that would allow adult-use marijuana in the Garden State.
- The announcement included an outline of proposed taxes and an "expedited expungement process" for individuals convicted of low-level marijuana offenses.
- Many of the largest cannabis companies in the world rallied Tuesday following the announcement from the Democratic governor.
The deal calls for a $42 per ounce tax and entitles towns to collect tax revenue, as well. Municipalities with cannabis retailers could collect 3 percent tax, those with cultivators will collect 2 percent and those with wholesalers would get 1 percent.
The measure calls for a five-member regulatory commission.
Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator Scutari, and Assemblywoman Quijano today announced an agreement on the broad outlines of legislation to legalize adult-use marijuana in New Jersey.
After more than a year of negotiations, Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders have reached a final deal on New Jersey marijuana legalization. A vote to legalize weed in the Garden State could come later this month.
I'm not too concerned with when it's legalized, so much as if/how many plants we will be able to grow for personal use. I already have a whole indoor grow setup I'm using for just regular gardening. (Alex H.)
Alex, you'll probably be waiting a while.