The first positive update from the election last week was that New Jersey voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, but with that came many questions. What does it all mean? Other than anyone 21+ being able to buy marijuana? So many questions: taxes, social justice, allocation of licenses, rules/regulations.

I reached out to Jackie Cornell, the Chief of Policy and Health Innovation of 1906 New Highs, a cannabis company that specializes in edibles, to help me sift through all of the questions regarding the legal use of marijuana.

Since the recording of this interview, the following updates have occurred:

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill to decriminalize possession of up to 6 ounces of weed, as well as expunge certain marijuana-related offenses. Pending charges would also be dismissed.

The proposed bill highlights the use of tax revenue toward local law enforcement. Tax revenue would go toward a New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Fund, which can be used toward police training. Many have called for the bill to redirect the tax revenue toward social programs and community services.

The latest proposed bill (November 5) is available to view online: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A0500/21_I1.HTM

If you want to view the meetings for this bill, the Assembly Appropriations Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee are holding hearings on November 12th. You can register on their sites – Assembly meeting @ 1PM | Senate meeting @ 1PM

You can also sign up to testify when you visit https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Default.asp and select your preferred meeting.