Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign sweeping legislation that paves the way for adult-use cannabis and decriminalization. A-21(Quijano)/S-21(Scutari), otherwise known as the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, or NJ CREAMA, passed out of both houses last week and is awaiting the governor's signature. The NJSBA did not take an official position on the bill, but is monitoring the next step of promulgating rules and regulations and any follow up to the legislation.

"We're moving closer to the long-overdue need to end cannabis prohibition," said the bill's sponsor, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. "Once the legislation is enacted, it will be the beginning of a new era of economic opportunity, social justice for marijuana possession, and hope for a better future for thousands of New Jersey residents."

Senator Nicholas Scutari, the Senate sponsor, who has been an outspoken advocate for legalization for almost 10 years, lauded the bill's passage. "The legalization of adult-use cannabis will also launch a new industry that will create jobs and economic activity that will generate funds to aid the communities hurt the most by the 'War on Drugs.' New Jersey will now be a leader in legalizing a once stigmatized drug."