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Chris Christie’s days as governor of New Jersey are numbered and the state’s cannabis industry could not be happier.
Yesterday, New Jersey Democratic Senator Nicholas Scutari introduced legislation that would legalize recreational cannabis once Christie leaves office.
Upon implementation, the measure would:
- Legalize recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21
- Create a Marijuana Enforcement Division that would be monitored by the state attorney general. The division would develop rules and regulations for growers and distributors within a year of the bill’s passage.
- Decriminalize the possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis and limit fines to $100 until the industry is up and running. The bill also aims to create a system for some cannabis offenders to expunge their criminal records.
- Set up an escalating sales tax on cannabis starting at 7% in year one, 10% in year two, and then increase by 5% a year until it reaches 25%.
- Prohibit at home cultivation and its public use
An Extensive Educational Approach
The legal cannabis movement in New Jersey is becoming a potentially real opportunity with Christie leaving office and Senator Scutari supporting its legitimacy.
Senator Scutari has taken a thorough approach when it comes to educating his peers and fellow legislators on how New Jersey can benefit from a legal cannabis market. He has set up trips to Colorado so they could receive a first-hand look at the state’s system and speak with state representatives and law makers.
Tax Revenue to Fund Important Programs
With the proposed bill yielding approx. $300 million in tax revenue per year, the state will be able to allocate money to programs that combat opioid addiction, support women’s health and invest in outdated infrastructure.
We will continue to monitor updates in regards to this program and are looking forward to the day that Christie leaves office and the Garden State goes green.
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