New Jersey postpones cannabis legalization until late summer

Last November, the citizens of New Jersey elected their new governor, Phil Murphy, a pro-legalization Democrat who announced his intention to legalize recreational cannabis within 100 days after his investiture.

Despite the governor's willingness, the Senate and Assembly continue to push back proposed legislation. The New Jersey legislature prioritized the budget bill, which was completed in extremis on July 1, before considering opening the debate on the legalization of recreational cannabis. New Jerseyans, on the other hand, are already in favor of legalization according to the latest polls.

Medical cannabis in New Jersey

So than cannabis medical cannabis has been legal in New Jersey since 2010. Excessive restrictions imposed by former conservative governor Chris Christie made access to the medicine extremely complicated. Murphy eased the conditions of the program early in his term, quickly opening it up to more patients. He also commissioned Senator Joseph Vitale to propose a reform of the medical cannabis program.

On the supply side, for example, only six retailers are currently authorized to grow and sell medical cannabis, restricting the availability of treatments. Joseph Vitale offers, among others

• increase the amount of cannabis authorized for patients
• breaking prescription limits for people at the end of life
• extend the prescription period from 90 days to 180 days
• authorize caregivers to administer cannabis
• not to limit the number of doctors who can prescribe cannabis
• protect patients treated with cannabis in terms of employment, housing or education
• award 15% of licenses to businesses run by women, minorities or veterans

A State budget decision

Despite the proposal by another senator, Nicholas Scutari, to combine the extension of the medical use of cannabis with legalization for adults, it is unlikely that legislators will consider the subject before the summer recess.

In the meantime, however, Scutari has to create a «Marijuana Oversight Commission» to oversee the evolution of existing cannabis programs. His proposal is already amassing widespread criticism of its potential operation, with some fearing that the commission would corner cannabis distribution in the state.