NJ Cannabis Law Is Cornerstone To Criminal Justice Reform

nj gov murphy weed advocate nj cannabis criminal justice reform

Whether you voted for Governor Phil Murphy (D) or not, one thing that seems obvious is that NJ cannabis law reform enthusiasts love him. He is serious about criminal justice reform.

Murphy Stays Course On NJ Cannabis Law Reform

Prior to Murphy taking the stage at his inaugariation, the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan were heard playing, which led some to think this was a sure sign of the topic of NJ cannabis law in his speech.

After eight years of Chris Christie serving as governor and leaving office with an extremely low voter approval rate, the state is by and large ready to move on to a new administration. Murphy won by a large percentage over his opponent, partly due to his campaigning on the fact he would legalize marijuana in New Jersey.

Moving Criminal Justice Reform

As expected, when discussing criminal justice reform, Murphy stated that legalizing cannabis is a major part of his plan for change. Anticipation was high that Murphy would demand the legislature immediately get to work and present a bill to legalize cannabis. However, while he did make many demands to the legislature, Murphy did not demand that they immediately get to work on presenting a bill for legalization and ending prohibition in New Jersey.

Murphy did state that his “administration would do everything in their power to resist President Trump and the federal government’s attempt to interfere with New Jersey politics.” He blasted the administration further by saying they would not allow Trump’s “misguided leadership” to do anything that would be harmful to New Jersey.  There was specific mention of offshore drilling and the fight that his administration would take. He went on to say,  “We must fight against Washington’s all-out assault on New Jersey.”

Moving Progressive Legislation

Additionally, Murphy stated that later today, his “first official act will be signing an executive order to demand equal pay for women.” Murphy also mentioned raising the minimum wage and increasing access to voting and earned sick leave, to name just a few.

Governor Murphy presented many progressive ideas and goals at his inauguration today. If he mentioned the legalization of cannabis in any greater detail, that would likely dominate the media discussion. Meanwhile, his move to issue an immediate executive order demanding equal pay for women deserves the immediate spotlight.

Recently, Democrats said they would not waiver and will stand against recent attempts to crack down on cannabis in legal states by the federal government. Already, three cannabis bills are in the process of being introduced by the New Jersey state legislature.

It is only a matter of time before cannabis is at the forefront of discussion in the legislature and throughout the state.

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required




Newsletter

Subscribe to The Heady Chronicle!

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!