What does legalization of marijuana mean for the state of N.J.?
By Dan Papa | Published March 1, 2018
Governor Phil Murphy. Courtesy of Creative Commons
With the legalization of marijuana as a new possibility in New Jersey, it is becoming clear that “the times they are a-changin’.”
As a candidate, the state’s new Governor Phil Murphy, promised that one of his first acts would be to legalize marijuana in the Garden State. Legalization is part of Murphy’s plan to promote criminal justice reform in the state.
Murphy pledged to sign a bill legalizing the drug within one hundred days of taking office, if it lands on his desk. However, it might not be that easy.
Berkeley Township, Point Pleasant Beach, and other towns have already taken steps to ban sales of the drug in their municipalities. Some police chiefs have spoken out against the idea. Two other towns in N.J. have also considered banning the sale of legal marijuana, Lavallette and Seaside Heights.
State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (Dist-22) introduced a bill last year that would not only legalize marijuana, but also regulate and tax the drug via dispensaries where anyone 21 or older will be able to walk in and purchase product(‘s).
The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Stated in Nicholas Scutari’s bill, recreational users over the age of 21 would be permitted to possess up to “one ounce or less of marijuana; 16 ounces or less of marijuana infused product in solid form; 72 ounces or less in liquid form; seven grams or less of marijuana concentrate.” Students at Kean University had some thoughts on potential legalization.
Marijuana Plant. Courtesy of CreativeCommons
One student said, “A lot of people, they spend their money on weed, so why go against something that the people spend their money on when you can actually just flip it and tax that?”
The student also noted that while in support of legality, they are hoping that they do not smell weed everywhere they walk around town.
Another student, Manny Desane, said that some stressed out college students may like the idea. “For some people, that might be a form of coping for them or a way to deal with the stress,” said Desane. “Before legalization is to occur, a number of other issues are likely to be addressed. It is unclear what will happen with marijuana charges on criminal records? Will they be expunged?”
Secondly, what laws will N.J. adopt?
In California, specific laws are in place for those potentially under the influence of marijuana while driving. Such tests include a field sobriety test, a saliva swab test, a blood, breath or urine test, etc.
Also, zoning laws could be affected in regards to building dispensaries in New Jersey.
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