The NJ Senate Budget Committee passed a bill to go after underground legacy operators and reform the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC).

S 4847 was reviewed only after the Committee heard many other bills.

Waiting through the hearing becomes the thing itself.

The anti-legacy bill passed the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee last week. It is sponsored by NJ Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22-Union).

An Aide noted that in an amendment, once a minority or women-owned business is sold, it needs to be re-certified. He also said it would allow the CRC to recommend new license types.

They also want to exempt certain employees from background requirements.

Committee Chair Paul Sarlo (D-36-Bergen) noted Tom Norcia of the Hemp Growers Association was opposed. In addition, Kevin Lewis was said to be opposed, along with Vanessa Blitz and Tara Joswick of NJ Smokers Club were opposed.

Jim Shoan of Green Buffalo Farms was the only one who waited to testify to oppose it.

“My son and I are hemp farmers. We’ve been hemp farmers for the past 5 years,” he explained.

“Now the federal government has just about put the last stake in our heart,” Shoan added.

He noted many do not value the medicinal properties of hemp products.

Shoan said his wife is dying of lung cancer, and gummies help with chemotherapy and sleep.

“CBD definitely doesn’t get you high. My wife wouldn’t take marijuana…,” he added.

Shoan seemed to be against THCA and similar intoxicating hemp products and valued its medicinal properties.

“Thank you for your input,” Sarlo said.

“This bill would permit people in their official capacity to appear at political events. I think that sets a dangerous precedent,” Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13-Monmouth) said before voting no.

It passed 9-1-2 with one opposed and two abstaining.

Future Moves

The bill still has no companion in the Assembly necessary for its passage into law.

Scutari is also still the only sponsor of the bill as well. So, it remains what will happen between now and the end of the lame duck session when the new session of the legislature begins, and the new Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is sworn in.

That can change quickly. In less than 60 days it has already passed two committees which is very fast for a bill in Trenton.