A New Jersey Assembly committee on Friday approved a “clean up” bill intended to clear the way to implement the legalization of marijuana—the latest development on lawmakers’ rocky path to help enact the cannabis referendum voters approved in November. Enabling legislation to create a regulated market was introduced and passed by the legislature shortly after last year’s vote, but Governor Phil Murphy (D) said after the fact that opposed the lack of penalties for underage possession. Lawmakers attempted to resolve that with an earlier bill to address the youth possession issue, but a floor vote was canceled after key legislators pulled their support. Now, it seems, there could be a new compromise. Under the latest proposal, adults 18 to 20 would face a $50 fine for possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and a $100 fine for more than that amount. Those under 18 would not be subject to the civil penalty but would be given a warning.
Kyle Jaeger, Marijuana Moment, 01/30/2021 10:55:00