NJ lawmakers planning question for 2020 ballot to legalize marijuana

It seems that voters will decide on whether pot should be legal in New Jersey.

News 12 Staff

Nov 18, 2019, 10:42 PM

Updated 1,621 days ago

Share:

It seems that voters will decide on whether pot should be legal in New Jersey.
New Jersey legislative leaders say they will vote in the coming weeks on a proposed ballot question to legalize recreational marijuana. Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney and Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas Scutari unveiled the proposed ballot question on Monday.
They plan for the question to be on the ballot in 2020.
Lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy tried earlier this year to legalize cannabis through legislation, but Sweeney said the bill failed to get enough support among senators.
Murphy said in a statement he’s disappointed the legislation failed.
"I am disappointed that we are not able to get this done legislatively and that our failed status quo – which sends roughly 600 people to jail a week for possession, the majority of them, people of color — will continue."
The governor said that he is hopeful that voters “will put us on the right side of history” by approving the amendment.
Democratic Speaker Craig Coughlin said through a spokesman the Assembly will also vote on the proposal.
Eleven states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:29
Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

1:55
Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

1:55
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:40
Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

2:03
Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

2:08
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

0:56
Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

0:30
Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train