What to Know
- A bill has been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that would legalize recreational marijuana
- Incoming governor Phil Murphy campaigned on legalizing marijuana
- The move comes days after the U.S. Justice Department overturned Obama-era guidelines protecting states with legal weed
New Jersey lawmakers kicked off the new session by again introducing legislation to legalize marijuana.
Democratic state Sen. Nicholas Scutari introduced the measure allowing the recreational use of marijuana on Tuesday, the same day the new session of the Democrat-led Legislature convened.
Incoming Democratic governor Phil Murphy campaigned on legalizing marijuana. GOP Gov. Chris Christie is a vocal opponent.
The legislation is identical to a measure introduced in the previous session that legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older.
The bill was introduced soon after the U.S. Justice Department last week overturned Obama administration guidelines that federal prosecutors shouldn't interfere with states allowing people to use pot for medical and recreational uses.
Murphy takes office on Tuesday.
