TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) — Voters in New Jersey approved the use of recreational marijuana on Tuesday, but it will be a long time before smoking or ingesting pot in the state is legal. While an estimated two-thirds of voters approved a ballot measure legalizing marijuana use, the day to freely light up could be a while away.
“I would say at least a year. It’s probably going to be at least next Christmas before we even get a whiff at some sales,” activist Jay Lassiter said.
Lassiter advocated for medical marijuana years ago and was instrumental in getting recreational marijuana on the ballot.
“Between the time voters demanded this change and the time the change is actually enacted, that’s going to be a huge gap and if we’re not keeping the pressure on, then the lawmakers are going to go sideways and forget about this and deprioritize something that New Jersey voters have demanded,” Lassiter said.
On Monday, lawmakers in Trenton will begin the process. A bill to…
