New Jersey Voting on Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Nov 26

Recreational marijuana legislation is being fast-tracked in New Jersey. The state is ready to become the 11^th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Lawmakers in the General Assembly and Senate will come together for a special hearing on Nov 26 to debate the proposed recreational marijuana bill. A vote is expected to take place after the hearing.

The biggest hold up of the legislation has been the proposed tax rate, according to NJ.com. Governor Murphy was not supportive of the initial tax rate. Senate President Stephen Sweeney and the governor have been at odds over the rate.

The governor and other legislators supported a previously proposed tax rate of 25%. Sweeney is in favor of the revamped 12% tax plus a 2% option for municipalities. Murphy, however, seems willing to negotiate on the tax rate some.

“We have been talking, and it’s time to move forward,” said Sweeney. “Hopefully, we can get to agreement with the governor.”

On top of the recreational marijuana legislation lawmakers are also expected to move on expanding the state’s medical marijuana program. The new legislation would change the required doctor visit to maintain a medical marijuana card from every 3 months to once a year.