Gov. Phil Murphy on Saturday quickly endorsed legislation that would stop the federal government from enforcing anti-marijuana laws in states that have legalized the drug.
Murphy, who is pushing to legalize cannabis in New Jersey for recreational use, was one of 12 governors signing a letter to congressional leaders of both parties in support of the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States Act.
The measure is sponsored by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Reps. David Joyce, R-Ohio, and Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. President Donald Trump indicated he was leaning toward backing the bipartisan legislation.
"The people of New Jersey suffered for eight years waiting for broader access to the state's medical marijuana program to meet the needs of patients in need," Murphy said. "I support Senator Warren's and Senator Gardner's efforts to entrust states with the ability to protect patients, providers and businesses, as New Jersey seeks to expand marijuana for both medical and adult use."