There has been one thing missing since New Jersey citizens voted to legalize adult use recreational cannabis: a law signed by Governor Murphy. Since the November election, New Jersey lawmakers proposed and approved legislation that would formally legalize adult use recreational marijuana in New Jersey, but Governor Murphy has not signed the bill based on disagreements regarding penalties for underage cannabis users. The result: limbo.
Nevertheless, the New Jersey Assembly decided to postpone Governor Murphy’s deadline to act to February 18, 2021. In that time, the various interested parties hope to come to an agreement to resolve the outstanding issues connected with the legislation so that Governor Murphy will sign the bills and make them into law. Additionally, it will be important to await the formal creation of then New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the state oversight body that will promulgate the regulations to guide the New Jersey recreational cannabis industry.
Alex concentrates his practice on business litigation and counseling. Alex is the author of the New Jersey Cannabis Counsel blog where he tracks and analyzes developments in New Jersey’s efforts to legalize recreational cannabis and the potential impact on cannabis businesses in New Jersey. Alex is also a member of the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association.