The state Senate on Thursday is expected to pass bills that would expand the New Jersey medical marijuana program and overhaul the process of expunging criminal records in the state.
The Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act would make it easier for patients to register, purchase and consume cannabis for medicinal purposes. The bill would raise the monthly limit to 3 ounces per patient, and legalize the manufacture and purchase of edible forms of medical marijuana, including food and oils.
"While the (medical marijuana) bill’s not perfect … this is still light years ahead of our present program, and it’s at a time when it’s exactly appropriate," bill sponsor Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said last week when the bill cleared the Senate health committee.
The state Assembly last week passed the Honig Act last week by a 65-to-5 vote, with 6 abstentions. If the Senate passes the bill, it will head to Gov. Phil Murphy's desk.