NJ Lawmakers Make Big Decision On Marijuana Legalization​

New Jersey lawmakers took their first big step toward legalizing marijuana for those 21 years old and over on Monday.

State Senate and Assembly committees voted to advance the legislation to a full vote by the state Legislature. The bill also requires Gov. Phil Murphy's signature to become law.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee vote was 7-4 in favor, while the Assembly Appropriations Committee voted 7-3 to advance the bill.

"We can act like marijuana doesn't exist, that it doesn't take place in this world," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney, noting the thousands who are arrested each year for pot possession. "It's time to make this industry legitmate, to regulate it."

Most Democrats on the Assembly and Senate Budget and Appropriations committees supported the legislation, but not everyone. Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, speaking as a "parent and a coach," said he just doesn't think New Jersey is ready for legal marijuana.

"I just don't believe we are there yet to legalize marijuana," said Sarlo, who abstained but said he's "leaning" toward voting no when the legislation is voted by the full Senate and Assembly.

It's not immediately clear when that full vote will happen.

Emotions were running high Monday as lawmakers held a lively 5-hour debate with numerous legislators, advocates and others who either opposed or supported the legislation. Watch the proceedings below.

The "Marijuana Legalization Act" would allow users 21 years old and up to possess up to an ounce of pot.

"We stand on the verge of major change," said Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli, D-Gloucester. "We are on the verge of something very significant. This is not something we're going to approach recklessly or haphazardly."

One of the most dramatic moments came when former Rhode Island Congressman and current Brigantine resident Patrick Kennedy, a son of the late US Sen. Edward Kennedy, testified that he didn't want to see marijuana become so available that children would be able to purchase "THC ice cream."

Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, a prime sponsor of the bill, shot back at Kennedy, saying: "From what you're saying, it sounds like you would favor the prohibition of alcohol?"

Kennedy called Scutari's claims a "red herring" and said he doesn't favor banning alcohol.

Scutari said the legalization presents a strong business opportunity for New Jersey, legalizing an industry that could add millions to the economy.

Scutari said keeping the business illegal is senseless, because marijuana is already easy to purchase. He said it can be purchased a block from his office.

"We are finally on the precipice of doing something great here, changing the lives of many people in New Jersey," he said.

But Assemblyman Ronald Rice, D-Essex, said he's not prepared to support legalization, and he ripped the argument that the legislation would promote social justice.

A former police officer, Rice believes legalization will encourage crime and intoxicated driving. He supports decriminalization instead. He said the whole push for legalization is about "money," not social justice.

Since legalization happened in Colorado, Rice said drug use and criminal acts have increased – particularly in the African-American community. He called the social-justice argument "a slap in the face" to African-Americans.

"Do the research and start to pay attention," Rice told lawmakers.

Here is a video of the hearing here:

It's possible that the package of bills that would fully legalize recreational and medical marijuana could reach Murphy's desk by the end of the week. But the bills could hit some snags and lawmakers will likely vote on amendments.

Sweeney's office acknowledged that the senate president doesn't have an agreement with the Murphy administration on how the legislation should proceed.

Conflicts over how much marijuana should be taxed – among other issues – have impeded the legislation's progress. Sweeney has said that the tax should be no more than 12 percent.

But after weeks of delays, Senate leaders are tired of waiting and they want to move forward, Sweeney's office said.

Murphy's deputy press secretary, Alyana Alfaro, released a statement, saying: “Governor Murphy remains committed to legalizing adult-use marijuana, a critical step in eliminating racial disparities in our criminal justice system.

"The governor is committed to working with the Legislature to legalize adult-use marijuana the right way, one that makes the state fairer, prioritizes the safety of New Jersey residents, and ensures that some of the economic benefits go the communities hardest hit by the war on drugs.”

Murphy, meanwhile, was recently asked about marijuana legalization during a recent Facebook live interview, and he told the audience that he's looking at signing something "sooner than later."

"We've had good exchanges with both the legislative leadership sponsors and, most importantly, the teams in the trenches crafting this," Murphy said. "I think it's sooner than later."

Murphy said there will be several pieces to the legislation, including expansion of the medical marijuana program. The "biggest mountain to climb," he said, will be legalizing the drug for recreational use.

Just don't expect pot to be sold in stores right away. The regulatory and licensing process could take another six months after the legislation is passed, health officials say. That schedule could move a lot more quickly if medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to meet the demand.

Photo/video courtesy of NJ Marijuana Reform‏ @NJU4MR and YouTube