New Jersey on the Legalization of Marijuana
For the past three years, Governor Phil Murphy has been calling upon the state legislature to pass a bill legalizing cannabis, which is a controlled form of marijuana. After falling short of the necessary votes needed to pass such a bill, lawmakers decided to put the decision in the hands of the people. Along with voting for the president, vice-president, and Congress members, New Jersey residents were given the chance to vote on whether they wanted to legalize cannabis, which has only been distributed for medicinal purposes in New Jersey for the past ten years.
For those who may not be aware, marijuana is made up of a compound containing THC, which makes the user feel a certain ''high'' when it enters the body. Some of the effects of THC include sleepiness, relaxedness, and an overall feeling of euphoria. Studies have shown that marijuana addictions are uncommon, as it is much less addictive than nicotine or opioids, but withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, mood and sleep problems, cravings, and restlessness.
With several polls showing that 2 out of every 3 voters are in support of the legalization of marijuana, it is no surprise that the majority of New Jersey voters voted in its favor. This does not mean that the marijuana industry will be made legal immediately, as the state Legislature still needs to pass a bill to set in place rules and regulations regarding its sale and use. So far, cannabis will only be legal for those 21 years and older. Any individual under the age of 21 will face arrest, along with individuals who attempt to distribute the marijuana illegally. Just like any other drug, marijuana will also be taxed at the state sales tax rate of 6.6%. Additionally, if allowed by the legislature, a municipality may also charge an additional 2% local tax on the drug. The purpose of taxing drugs is to not only generate additional revenue, but to also dissuade some individuals from purchasing it, as the majority of drugs pose health risks. Just recently, it was announced that the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that would allow people to legally possess up to six ounces of marijuana each month and make distribution of one ounce a civil penalty.
Eleven states having already legalized marijuana set the precedent for how the industry should be controlled. To effectively monitor the distribution, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the program and would likely be the ones to license new operators. Many questions have gone unanswered with regards to this new controversial market, but clarity will improve in the coming months.
Sources:
NJ.com
Law.com
App.com
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