Today, on his 1,133rd day in office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill to implement marijuana commercialization into law.
A number of adult-use cannabis reform bills were signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy today, legalizing and regulating cannabis use and possession for adults 21 years and older.
The bill, A1897, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act, decriminalizing marijuana and hashish possession, as well as bill S3454, clarifying marijuana and cannabis use and possession penalties for individuals younger than 21 years old we’re both signed into New Jersey law.
Murphy said the day has long been overdue.
“Today, Governor Murphy signed legislation into law that reflects the will of New Jerseyans who made their voices loud and clear last November when they voted to legalize recreational cannabis use for adults. As always, the needs of our state will guide my work in the U.S. Senate, and I stand ready to advocate for federal policies that respect and protect the ability of local enterprises and law-abiding citizens to do business in a cannabis marketplace that is transparent, equitable, safe and accountable,” said Sen. Menendez.
“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. “Maintaining a status quo that allows tens of thousands, disproportionately people of color, to be arrested in New Jersey each year for low-level drug offenses is unjust and indefensible.
“This November, New Jerseyans voted overwhelmingly in support of creating a well-regulated adult-use cannabis market. Although this process has taken longer than anticipated, I believe it is ending in the right place and will ultimately serve as a national model.”
Murphy said the industry will be set up in a way that many can participate.
“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,” he said. “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. I’d like to thank the Legislature, advocates, faith leaders and community leaders for their dedicated work and partnership on this critical issue.”
Senator Court Booker stated, “The failed War on Drugs has systematically targeted people of color and the poor, disproportionately impacting Black and brown communities and hurting families in New Jersey and across our nation. Today is a historic day, and I applaud Gov. Murphy, the Legislature and the many advocates for racial and social justice whose leadership is ensuring that New Jersey is at the forefront of equitable marijuana legalization policy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to end the federal marijuana prohibition so we can finally begin healing the wounds of decades of injustice.”
