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
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, 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
How to Effectively Use Contracts to Manage Risk
Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
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.