New Jersey isn’t trailblazing when it comes to legalizing adult-use cannabis, and that could end up being a blessing for the state.
While Gov. Phil Murphy didn’t carry out his previously stated plans to legalize by the end of 2018, the Legislature is close to passing a comprehensive bill that would permit adult cannabis use and strictly regulate its commercial production and sale.
As leader of the largest cannabis trade group in the world, I’ve observed the successes and stumbles of Colorado, California and Washington over the years. These states have had to revise their cannabis regulations many times to fix costly and frustrating problems. But New Jersey is fortunate: Its leaders have the chance to get it right from the start by learning from mistakes others have made on the path to legalization.