The Governor of new Jersey Phil Murphy, the speaker of the Assembly, Craig Coughlin and the head of the Senate Steve Sweeney officially announced today that it has reached agreement on the legalization of recreational marijuana.
«Legalization of marijuana for adults is a tremendous step toward the reduction of disparities in our criminal justice system,» said Murphy, who won in the elections, including promoting resolution of cannabis.
The Governor of new Jersey Phil Murphy has consistently sought the legalization of recreational marijuana
Murphy talks with the heads of the legislators went on for almost a year and today’s agreement speaks to their success. Democratic legislative majority, most likely, will support this decision. If it goes through, new Jersey will become the 11th state where recreational marijuana is allowed. The decision also suggests the removal of criminal records for persons previously convicted for crimes related to the possession of cannabis in amounts not exceeding necessary for personal consumption.
The state government hope to complete their budgets by imposing a tax of $42 per ounce of marijuana. Municipalities will collect from retailers 3% tax, manufacturers — 2%, wholesalers — 1%.
Legalizing #marijuana for recreational use would be a shameful abdication of our duty to protect public health and safety.
For the sake of the millions of New Jerseyans we promised to keep safe, every legislator must vote NO. https://t.co/uFsclQkIto
— Sen. Gerry Cardinale (@gerrycardinale) March 12, 2019
Republican Senator Gerald Cardinal criticized the decision, saying that it is, at least, will lead to increased crime and road accidents.
«This is a shameful abandonment of our obligation to protect the health and safety of people. It’s blood money, which he plans to collect in taxes. It is the money earned on the suffering of people who do not use marijuana, but forced to be around those who it does,» he said.
Also opposed by the Association of chiefs of police of the state of new Jersey, stating that they don’t have enough data to be able to predict the potential effects of legalization of marijuana for drivers and residents.
The police said: «In Colorado, the number of victims of road traffic accidents associated with marijuana, has dramatically increased.»
The agreement today on legalizing adult-use marijuana:
• Reduces disparities in our criminal justice system.
• Establishes an industry that brings opportunity to all communities
• Ensures a safe product
• Allows law enforcement to focus resources on serious crimes
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 12, 2019
Governor Murphy said the opposite, that legalization will allow to provide citizens with a safe reliable product and let police focus on more serious crimes.
The representative of the Democrats in the Assembly, Lisa Acevedo said that on 18 March it is planned to hold a Committee vote on the bill and assess the actual ability of its adoption. If votes would be enough, March 25, may be held the final vote.
