Top-ranking Democrats in the Senate are working to draft a bill on homegrown marijuana, but the legislation likely won’t allow New Jerseyans to grow their own cannabis, the New Jersey Globe has learned.
“The first topic was really the significance of the penalties for home growing right now. It’s like drug manufacturing, a serious felony charge,” said State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden). “You do a lot of years if you get caught growing your own marijuana right now, so there’s been just some initial discussions if maybe those penalties are too severe.”
The bill, which would be the second cleanup after Gov. Phil Murphy signed three bills legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana use, is still in its early stages, and it’s not yet clear when lawmakers will be ready to introduce the legislation.
Penalties for home grow remain severe even after the state’s legalization. Cultivating 10 or more plants can win a resident between 10 and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Growing fewer plants can still earn a five-year prison sentence.