Robert A. Marsico
Partner
201-896-7165 rmarsico@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) has introduced Senate Bill 1896 for consideration by the New Jersey Senate. The proposed legislation would legalize possession, cultivation and the sale of small amounts of marijuana. He believes that it is time for New Jersey to stop prosecuting and start regulating and taxing minor marijuana use. However, the bill has a long road ahead, especially in light of the governor’s promises to veto it.
Scutari is the municipal prosecutor for the city of Linden. He reports that the fight to eradicate marijuana use has been wholly unsuccessful, yet billions of dollars have been spent on enforcement measures. He also indicated that it is unreasonable for citizens having criminal records resulting from minor marijuana offenses to be unable to buy a home or obtain employment.
If it is successful, the proposed bill would permit adults 21 years of age and over to possess an ounce or less of marijuana. It would also allow them to cultivate up to six marijuana plants for personal use (and not for sale) in an enclosed, locked space.
The sale of marijuana would be regulated in a way similar to the manner in which the state regulates liquor sales. The proposal also provides that local governments could be permitted to ban the sale of marijuana within their borders.
If the sale of marijuana is allowed, it would be subject to state sales tax, resulting in millions of dollars of the tax revenue per year for New Jersey. Scutari’s bill would dedicate 70% of those tax revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund, 20% to drug education and enforcement programs and the remainder to women’s health programs.
Governor Chris Christie has repeatedly promised to veto any bill proposing to legalize marijuana, so only time will tell how the issue will be decided in New Jersey.
If you have any questions about this proposed bill or would like to discuss any issues your business is facing, please contact me, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Industries: Cannabis
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Washington, D.C., Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
What to Do If You Are Impacted by a Retailer Bankruptcy Part 2
Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
The Current Administration's Proposals for the Financial Services and Banking Industries Will Affect Your Business
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tips for Commercial Landlords Impacted by Wave of Retailer Bankruptcies Part 1
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
How Understanding Bankruptcy Trends Can Benefit Your Business
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
SEC Takes Actions Against Issuers for Failure to File Form D
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Author: Kenneth C. Oh
Redefining Labor Relations: NLRB's Pivot from Abruzzo’s Memoranda
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.