New Jersey Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

On Monday February 22, Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills that legalized and decriminalized marijuana in New Jersey. This makes New Jersey the 14th state to legalize marijuana and the most populous state to do so in the Northeast. Murphy has publicly advocated for recreation and legalization since his campaign runs in 2016 but failed to secure the supporters. Legal sales are still months away as the state creates a heavily regulated industry large enough for the demand. It is expected to take some time to issue the proper licensing for dispensaries. You can legally buy/sell at a dispensary so long you are not under 21. The latest industry is projected to generate $126 million in revenue.

New Jersey historically has been the toughest enforcer of marijuana law. Marijuana possession accounted for 10.6% of arrests made state-wide by state, local, and federal authorities. In 2016 there was 33 thousand marijuana arrest made, more than murder, rape, assault or any type of theft. 36% of the marijuana possession arrest were African-American although blacks are only 13% of the state’s population. This legislation addresses the history and racial injustice of marijuana enforcement. The bill allows one to have up to 6 ounces of marijuana on a person. The bill also removes marijuana use or possession as a parole violation and can not be used as a condition for supervised release.