New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Monday signed three bills to legalize and regulate marijuana in the state, following years of failed attempts by the legislature.
Why it matters: The bills will enact a ballot question that voters overwhelmingly approved last year, allowing people older than 21 to legally carry up to six ounces of marijuana.
The bills also allow for the sale of marijuana at state-licensed dispensaries.
New Jersey is the 13th state to legalize recreational marijuana.
Murphy's signature comes after a standoff between him and the legislature, during which Murphy declined to sign the bills unless the body established penalties for people under 21 who are caught with marijuana.
The legislature ultimately did so with 20 minutes left for Murphy to sign two of the bills.
What he's saying: "Our current marijuana prohibition laws have failed every test of social justice, which is why for years I’ve strongly supported the legalization of adult-use cannabis," Murphy said.
combatcrochet on February 22nd, 2021 at 22:08 UTC »
It's really great that states are finally waking up to the truth and making this legal. But, something needs to happen federally. It's not right that employees can come to work after a night of drinking, reek of booze, hungover and work but someone that had a little pot two weeks ago can be fired instantly.
EDIT: Just to give my comment some depth and hopefully explain where I’m coming from. I work with some groups that are advocating for Veteran Emotional Health, specifically post war trauma. And while I’m sure some of you don’t agree with it, I have seen a lot of lives changed for the better by cannabis and products. I think if Veterans had easier access to it, we might have fewer suicides. I don’t personally use it, but have seen what it can do for my friends.
SottoVoceSottoVoce on February 22nd, 2021 at 19:30 UTC »
Unfortunately they don’t allow private citizens to grow their own 1-4 plants like other states have done. Dumb.
mafco on February 22nd, 2021 at 19:16 UTC »
Smart economic move. In Colorado it's a $2 billion industry that contributes $400 million annually to state tax revenues. And best of all reduces opioid deaths, marijuana arrests and black market drug trafficking. Which is why the pharma and private prison industries still staunchly oppose legalization.