This week New Jersey’s governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a law to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.

The governor announced her decision to sign the law outside the state capital building in Santa Fe on Monday. According to the Democrat, the law is a victory for social justice and a potential boon for economic development.

New Mexico is now the seventh state since last November to legalize adult possession and sales of cannabis for recreational use. The state will be kicking off sales next year.

“It is good for workers. It is good for entrepreneurs. It is good for consumers,” the governor said of legalization. “And it brings about social justice in ways in which we have been talking about and advocating for, for decades.”

Through the bill, Grisham will have a strong hand in oversight of recreational marijuana through her appointed superintendent of the Regulation and Licensing Department.

Agency Superintendent Linda Trujillo has said that people age 21 and over will be allowed start growing marijuana at home and possess up to 2 ounces (56 grams) of cannabis outside their homes starting on June 29.

Recreational cannabis sales will begin next year by April 1 at state-licensed dispensaries.

State Rep. Javier Martínez of Albuquerque stated, “I grew up along the border. I’ve seen what the war on drugs has done. I’m proud that New Mexico — little old New Mexico — has done its part to tell the federal government once and for all to legalize cannabis for the people.”

With the bill, local governments can’t prohibit marijuana businesses from setting up shop. They can have a say through zoning about the location and hours of operation.

The state will levy an excise tax on recreational cannabis sales that starts at 12% and rises over time to 18%, on top of current taxes on sales.

All taxes will be waived on medical marijuana.


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