Two-thirds of New Jersians voted to legalize cannabis on the November 2020 ballot.
Ongoing disagreements between lawmakers related to licensing and penalities for underaged users, however, have continuously delayed things — until now.
Three months and 6,000 arrests later, Gov. Phil Murphy has officially signed the bill making New Jersey the 13th state to legalize recreational cannabis.
Signed on Monday, Feb. 22, Bill A1987 officially legalizes adult-use and possession of up to 6 ounces of cannabis. Meaning, for adults aged 21 or older, there are no penalties for having, or smoking weed.
New Jersey’s broken & indefensible marijuana laws are no more.
Today, I signed historic legislation to:
✅Legalize adult-use cannabis
✅Decriminalize marijuana possession in small amounts
✅Limit the use of previous marijuana convictions
✅Create a regulated cannabis marketplace pic.twitter.com/Y2pCKSgcn5— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 22, 2021
What’s the Catch?
Unlike the majority of legal states, New Jersey laws do not allow people to grow cannabis in their homes. All cultivation must be licensed for commercial purposes.
And while there are currently 13 medical dispensaries within the state, recreational purchases are a ways away.
Once medical dispensaries can show that they have enough inventory to satisfy both markets, they will get first dibs at recreational sales. It’s not yet clear how this will be done. Until then, one cannot purchase cannabis in the state without a medical card.
Consumption is also prohibited in public places like the beach. Additionally, users can be charged with a DUI for operating a vehicle while high.
What About Minors?
The Governor also signed S3454, a bill that decriminalizes cannabis and alcohol for those under 21.
In cases of underage use or possession, officers may issue written warnings to underage users. They must also have their body cams turned on at all times.
On a second offense, officers may contact the minor’s parents or guardian to provide information on substance abuse education. A third offense would require mentorship or counseling programs.
As minorities continue to face a disproportionate amount of arrests, these amendments seek to prevent young people from being “tangled up in our criminal justice system,” reports NBC News.
Taxes
Medical cannabis has been legal in New Jersey since 2010.
In 2019, the state expanded its medical program with a plan to add 54 new dispensaries, 24 cultivation facilities, and 30 manufacturing hubs. It also added more than 20,000 cannabis patients, bringing the total to over 63,000 patents statewide.
Upon the expansion, medical cannabis sales rose over 200% from 2018, reaching heights of almost $100 million in 2019.
Once up and running, the recreational market’s projected first-year sales are about $400 million. Adult-use sales could reach $950 million by 2024, according to the Cannabis Business Plan.
Additionally, the new recreational industry is expected to generate about $126 million a year in tax revenue, reports the NY Times.
Under the new law, 70% of tax revenue will go to communities that have been disproportionately affected by prohibition. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will allocate 15% of those funds towards underage deterrence and prevention programs.
The remaining 25% will support the state’s “general fund” and budget.
The Right Side of History
There are still heaps to be done regarding wrongful incarcerations and record expungement. But New Jersey has taken a step forward.
As our new cannabis marketplace begins to take shape, businesses will be formed, and jobs will be created.
Starting immediately, those who had been subject to an arrest for petty marijuana possession will be able to get relief and move forward.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 22, 2021
“This legislation will establish an industry that brings equity and economic opportunity to our communities while establishing minimum standards for safe products and allowing law enforcement to focus their resources on real public safety matters,” Murphy stated in a press release.
“Today, we’re taking a monumental step forward to reduce racial disparities in our criminal justice system, while building a promising new industry and standing on the right side of history.”
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