New Jersey has just introduced new legislation this week that could allow marijuana to be grown, sold and used in the state.
The legislation would allow the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solids, 72 ounces in liquid form and 7 grams of concentrate. The measure will not allow home cultivation.
The new measure would also establish a Division of Marijuana Enforcement, charged with regulating the industry, as well as a sales tax on marijuana from 7 percent to 25 percent over five years to encourage early participation.
Sen. Nicholas Scutari is the bill’s sponsor and at a news conference said that the bill has little chance of being enacted under Governor Chris Christie who has been very vocal about opposing the legalization of marijuana in the state.
According to Scutari, the new measure is a way to lay the groundwork for it to be enacted by the next governor. Christie, is not on board to change any marijuana laws, and is even working for President Trump as a leading White House commission to examine the opioid crisis in the United States.
Scutari stated, “It is time to end the detrimental effect these archaic laws are having on our residents and our state.”
Democrats running for governor like Phil Murphy and Jim Johnson, have said they would back legalization.
