NJ Gov. Murphy Gets High Grade From Marijuana Advocacy Group

MONTCLAIR, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy got a high grade in a recent study from advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

The pro-cannabis nonprofit released its 2020 Gubernatorial Scorecard on Wednesday, which assigns “A” to “F” grades to governors across the U.S. for their comments and voting records on marijuana issues.

This year, NORML gave Murphy a grade of A-minus.

A total of nine U.S. governors, all Democratic Party members, received an A grade this year. (See the full list and learn about the study’s methodology)

“Most legislative activity specific to marijuana policy takes place at the state level and America's governors are our nation's most powerful state-elected officials,” NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri said. “These 50 lawmakers play a key role in whether or not marijuana policy reform advances at the state level so it is vitally important that reformers are aware of where they stand on the issue.”

Here’s why NORML gave Murphy a passing grade.

ENACTED LAWS – “In 2019, Gov. Murphy signed comprehensive legislation into law, Assembly Bill 20, significantly expanding patients’ medical cannabis access. It expands the pool of patients who may receive medical cannabis therapy as well as the pool of medical professionals who may issue recommendations. It also imposes legal protections for patients protecting them from discrimination in the workplace, in hospitals, or on school grounds, among other changes. The governor also signed legislation, Assembly Bill 5981, facilitating the expungement of low-level marijuana crimes and certain other offenses.”

VETOED LEGISLATION – “Governor Murphy vetoed a less comprehensive expungement measure early in the legislative session, stating that it did not go far enough to make expungements accessible to those who would benefit from them.”

NORML noted that Murphy’s effort to legalize recreational marijuana stalled in the Senate last year.

“Nonetheless, Gov. Murphy continues to be a vocal proponent of adult-use marijuana legalization,” the group wrote.

New Jersey voters will decide on the issue this November.

• See related article: New Jersey Voters Will Decide Whether To Legalize Marijuana
• See related article: NJ Marijuana Arrests 'Soaring' As Legalization Debate Continues

"My belief that our current marijuana laws have failed every test of social justice and that the right course is to legalize its use by adults has not changed," Murphy said last November. "I'm disappointed that we are not able to get this done legislatively and that our failed status quo – which sends roughly 600 people to jail a week for possession, the majority of them people of color — will continue."

"However, I have faith that the people of New Jersey will put us on the right side of history when they vote next November," Murphy added. "By approving this ballot measure before the end of this legislative session, New Jersey will move one step closer to righting a historical wrong and achieving what I have spent more than three years advocating for."

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While NORML was generally optimistic about Murphy’s marijuana policy decisions, some New Jersey residents have criticized the governor for failing to get a recreational marijuana law passed – a major part of his gubernational campaign – as well as other hot-button issues such as home cultivation of cannabis plants.

• See related article: 'Let Us Home Grow,' New Jersey Marijuana Advocates Say

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