Since 1970, the federal government has maintained a strict prohibition on cannabis, but in recent years, that prohibition has been bypassed by a growing number of states that have legalized medical and adult use marijuana. New Jersey is now poised to join the green revolution sweeping the nation. Learning from the successes and follies of California, Colorado, Washington State, Nevada, Oregon and others, New Jersey is aptly positioned to create, regulate, and tax a robust cannabis market.
As of June 2018, two New Jersey state Senate bills have been introduced by Senator Nicholas Scutari, S2702 and S2703. If passed, the legislation would allow consumers over the age of 21 to obtain and personally use up to one ounce of marijuana.
Additionally, a new Division of Marijuana and Enforcement would be created and regulations put in place to provide a new process for businesses looking to obtain a dispensary license. The proposed legislation envisions a rising tax burden over four years to fund regulation and enforcement efforts.
Senate bill S2703, is similar to Senate bill S2702, and allows for more opportunities in the medical marijuana space. Previously, only people diagnosed with specific debilitating medical conditions could obtain a recommendation for medical marijuana. Qualifying conditions included, and still include, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscular dystrophy, terminal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or other severe or chronic pain conditions.