Watch CBS News

New Jersey Lawmakers To Weigh Bill Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook  | Twitter

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — New Jersey lawmakers are set to consider legislation legalizing recreational marijuana. New Jersey would join 10 states and the District of Columbia in legalizing the drug, if the measure becomes law.

The Assembly and Senate judiciary committees have scheduled hearings on a measure to permit adults to use cannabis. The hearings come after Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders announced last week a deal on legalization.

'It's A Serious Degree': Students Across US Now Majoring In Marijuana At Colleges

Under the agreement, cannabis would be taxed at $42 an ounce, though towns could impose taxes of up to 3 percent in certain cases. The deal also calls for a five-person regulatory commission and a process to make expunging past marijuana-related convictions easier.

The proposal also bars certain marijuana offenses from being considered in some sectors, like education, housing and job licensing.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.