Yesterday the New Jersey State Senate postponed its vote regarding The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act. The vote has been put off until after the state’s general elections this upcoming November. The bill widely endorsed by large tobacco companies could not gather the twenty-one votes necessary to pass the controversial legislation.

                The bill would have allowed anyone over twenty-one years of age to purchase marijuana with unregulated THC potency including edibles and pot bars. Tied to the delayed legislation are two other bills focused on expunging previous possession charges and expanding access to medicinal marijuana. Currently, there are six medicinal marijuana dispensaries in the Garden State.

                If the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act is passed, marijuana use will only be permitted inside personal residences and approved marijuana lounges. While towns cannot ban marijuana in their territories, they can refuse to allow business to open and farmers to harvest cannabis components and products.

                New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney preached to reporters following the deferment that his fight to legalize marijuana in New Jersey is far from over. He believes as ten states have already legalized the substance, New Jersey needs to remain ahead of competition and avoid becoming a late comer to the highly profitable marijuana industry. 

                On the opposite side of the line, the Executive Director of NJ-RAMP celebrated his relief that the bill was suspended. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has sided with NJ-RAMP in believing expanded marijuana programs do not belong in New Jersey. It has been shown in states where progressive marijuana laws have already been passed that there is a direct increase in drugged driving occurrences alongside car and workplace accidents.

                Seabrook will continue to monitor the status of the Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act. If you or a loved one are suffering from substance use disorder whether it be marijuana or any other harmful substance, do not hesitate to reach out. Our admissions team is available to you and your family twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.