Senate Bill 2703—to legalize adult recreational marijuana use—was speeding toward a vote next Monday. But in reality, a lack of support and negotiations over amendments, has sent that plan up in smoke.
“We’re doing a couple of things. There’s a seismic shift in public policy and the creation of a new industry,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “That’s when you really do what it takes to get it right. I think the goal has always been to do just that and make sure we get it right. And if that takes a little more time than we anticipated, so be it."
Among the talks under way is how to address the blacks and browns disproportionately arrested, prosecuted and incarcerated for marijuana. Also how to make sure adult legalization adequately includes them for licensing to make a profit from what would become legal.
Top Image: © erllre | Adobe Stock
