Speaker Coughlin on Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

Voters to Decide the Issue on 2020 Ballot

            (TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement today after a measure to put legalization of adult-use cannabis to a public referendum cleared the Legislature by a vote of 49-24-1 in the Assembly and vote of 24-16 in the Senate:

“Putting the issue to a referendum is both sensible and equitable. While not our preferred method of legislating, public questions allow voters to affirm or deny massive shifts in public policy.

“The time to end the prohibition of adult-use cannabis is now. Along with enabling legislation yet to be worked out, New Jersey would become the next state to ensure a safe, highly regulated cannabis industry. The decision is now in the hands of the November 2020 electorate.”