TRENTON, N.J (CBS/AP) — New Jersey lawmakers passed a measure Thursday setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace, sending the legislation to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who is expected to sign the bill. The Democrat-led Assembly and Senate passed the bill during remote sessions because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislation now goes to Murphy, who along with lawmakers reached an agreement on the legislation earlier this month. He’s expected to to sign the bill, though it’s unclear when.
“This is a historic reform that will have a real-life impact on social justice, law enforcement and the state’s economy. It will launch a new cannabis industry with the potential to create jobs and economic activity at a time when it is desperately needed,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “We will now be able to move forward to correct social and legal injustices that have had a discriminatory impact on communities of color at the same time that marijuana is regulated and made legal for adults.”
Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in November allowing for recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The amendment takes effect Jan. 1.
If enacted, the legislation sets out a timetable that could see recreational cannabis available in New Jersey in about six months.
The 200-plus-page legislation is a thicket of technical detail that is…
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TRENTON, N.J (CBS/AP) — New Jersey lawmakers passed a measure Thursday setting up a recreational marijuana marketplace, sending the legislation to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who is expected to sign the bill. The Democrat-led Assembly and Senate passed the bill during remote sessions because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislation now goes to Murphy, who along with lawmakers reached an agreement on the legislation earlier this month. He’s expected to to sign the bill, though it’s unclear when.
“This is a historic reform that will have a real-life impact on social justice, law enforcement and the state’s economy. It will launch a new cannabis industry with the potential to create jobs and economic activity at a time when it is desperately needed,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “We will now be able to move forward to correct social and legal injustices that have had a discriminatory impact on communities of color at the same time that marijuana is regulated and made legal for adults.”
Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in November allowing for recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. The amendment takes effect Jan. 1.
If enacted, the legislation sets out a timetable that could see recreational cannabis available in New Jersey in about six months.
The 200-plus-page legislation is a thicket of technical detail that is…
