TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey did not legalize recreational marijuana as part of the state's newly enacted budget, but Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and a key lawmaker say it will get done soon.
Advocates of legalization say they're trying to overcome decades of stigma as well as a federal prohibition in an effort to make New Jersey the latest state to legalize cannabis. But they say they remain optimistic that bills will pass the Democrat-led Legislature this year. Opponents point to the legalization effort's slow going as a sign the effort could stall out.
Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana.
Murphy initially penciled in $60 million in tax revenue from expected legalization, which he anticipated beginning next January, but the legislation has largely stalled in the Democratic-led Legislature.
Top photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
