NJ marijuana legalization: Phil Murphy, legislators reach deal on legal weed industry bill

Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders have reached a deal on bills that would establish a framework for a legal weed industry, setting up a key vote in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy, Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and bill sponsors Sen. Nick Scutari and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano announced the agreement on Friday evening.

“Last month, New Jerseyans voted overwhelmingly in support of the creation of a well-regulated adult-use cannabis market,” the group said. “We’re proud to announce today that we’ve reached an agreement on legislation providing the framework for legalization, which is a critical step in reducing racial disparities and social inequities that have long plagued our criminal justice system.

Marijuana decriminalization deal a ‘step closer’ to new industry

“This legislation will accomplish our shared goals of delivering restorative justice and ensuring that the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs see the economic benefits of the adult-use cannabis market,” the group said. “While there is still much work ahead, we are one step closer to building a new, promising industry for our state.” [Read more at Asbury Park Press]