Social justice is the primary reason Governor Phil Murphy and a host of politicians have pushed for legalization of cannabis in New Jersey.
Among the many effects of the War on Drugs – especially marijuana – has been the negative impact on communities of color from arrest rates to incarceration and now to the great difficulty in entering legal markets from the ownership side.
While the parties are closer than ever to a deal on legalization of cannabis, it’s unlikely all the details – and ayes – will be nailed down for a vote on Feb. 21.
Governor Phil Murphy, State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin have reportedly reached agreement on two major issues that have held up passage of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act (S2703), the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act (S10) and s3205, which revises certain procedures for expungement of records of conviction.
There’s a good possibility a deal will be announced this week on legislation to authorize adult-use cannabis, expand the medical marijuana program and provide a path for expungement for marijuana possession offenses.
Several sources told NJ Cannabis Media a deal may be imminent. Multiple sources have said the same thing to other media outlets.
Here’s the roll call of votes for the three cannabis related bills that were approved in the Senate and Assembly committees Nov. 26.
S2703/A4497: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act which legalizes personal use cannabis for adults; creates the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to regulate personal use and medical cannabis; and provides expungement relief for certain past marijuana offenses.