Overall, the measure would increase the number of medical permits for cannabis operations in New Jersey from 12 to 23, allow patients to buy more than two ounces at a time, end the requirement that patients see their doctor for a year or more of regular appointments, and establish a Cannabis Regulatory Commission to oversee the implementation of the medical marijuana program.
A separate bill to expunge the records of those convicted of low-level crimes — initially a companion to the abandoned plan to legalize adult use of marijuana in the state — was expected to be voted on Thursday as well, but was pulled from the agenda. Sweeney explained it was held due to a “drafting error” and would be put forward on June 10.
Meanwhile, a third bill — which would decriminalize possession of small quantities of pot — is also awaiting movement.
"This is not the way we intended this to go forward, we wanted all three pieces of legislation to go forward. It didn't work out, so we're back to the drawing board,” Sweeney said. “Medical got expanded today, it has to finish up in the Assembly and the expungement bill absolutely will be done on the 10th and we'll go from there. Decriminalization, I'm open for conversation."