New Jersey Assembly Appropriations & Senate Judiciary Committees Vote in Support of Marijuana Legalization

Statement from Roseanne Scotti of the Drug Policy Alliance

Trenton, NJ – Today, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee voted in support of legislation (S2703/A4497) that would the legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults 21 years and older.

Roseanne Scotti, New Jersey State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, issued the following statement after today’s votes: 

“Today’s votes are an important step toward legalizing adult-use marijuana in New Jersey.  Although this bill is not perfect, we greatly appreciate the changes that the sponsors of the legislation have made based on the recommendations of advocates.

“While we are encouraged by the inclusion of provisions that our coalition has advocated for – such as expanded expungement – to better address fairness and equity, we are disappointed that there is no provision that allocates tax revenue generated by marijuana sales back to the communities most harmed by marijuana prohibition.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to ensure that New Jersey achieves fair and equitable marijuana legalization that is centered in racial and social justice.”

For more background on the New Solutions Marijuana Reform Campaign’s fight for fair and equitable marijuana legalization in New Jersey, visit www.legalizenj.org.