Could Murphy Bill Signing Be First Step Toward Legalizing Pot?

Gov. Phil Murphy took what could be the first step – albeit a very small one – toward legalizing marijuana on Wednesday.

Murphy signed bill A1330 into law that directs the Department of Agriculture to create a pilot program to research cultivation of industrial hemp.

Hemp is a genetic cousin of marijuana but it has a number of potential industrial uses from textile and fiber to home construction and even auto parts, officials say. The federal government banned it and marijuana in 1970.

American manufacturers have been dependent on foreign hemp producers like China, Russia and South Korea, which together produce 70 percent of the world's industrial hemp.

The bill signing comes just a few days before some of the legislative hearings will be scheduled on the possible legalization of marijuana. Read more: New Timeline – And A Vote – Set For NJ Marijuana Legalization

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, applauded Murphy’s signing of legislation that establishes a pilot program to study the cultivation of industrial hemp, licensing growers and distributors.

“It’s time for New Jersey to put its finger on the pulse of the hemp industry,” O’Scanlon, an original sponsor of the legislation, said. “This pilot program is a win for local farmers who need a diversity of opportunities to compete in the global agriculture market. Hemp is growing in value as a cash crop, and I am sure the New Jersey economy, and our farmers will benefit from this pilot program. We are the Garden State.”

The polot program would research the cultivation of hemp crops to the maximum extent permitted by federal law.

Thirty-eight other states have already implemented similar pilot programs.

“Smart steps are needed for New Jersey to stay competitive in the rapidly-growing industrial hemp industry,” O’Scanlon said. “Hemp has long-been misunderstood. The people who believe you can get high off industrial hemp are just dead wrong – or maybe even high.

“Our bipartisan effort to establish a hemp program moves the Garden State to a more sustainable future for both our agriculture industry and our state economy. If money can be made, we should do the legwork to ensure New Jersey can benefit.”

Governor Murphy photo