While four states will soon see their opportunity to legalize cannabis for either medicinal or recreational purposes through voter approved ballot initiatives, some states do not have this option open to them. In other states, lawmakers are considering acting before the citizens do. New Jersey is one state where those with the power to change the law have significantly shifted their views on legalization recently, and top officials have announced that they expect a vote on the subject before the end of the year.
When lawmakers are finally ready to move on legalization, chances are the citizens of the state have spoken loudly and made their expectations on the subject clear: end failed prohibition, usher in regulation and legalization. In New Jersey, recent polls show that support has grown significantly in the last several months, with most residents now in favor of legalization.