Pubdate: Tue, 10 Nov 2015
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340

HEARING SET TO DISCUSS MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

TRENTON (AP) - New Jersey lawmakers are planning a hearing next week 
to consider legislation to legalize recreational use of marijuana.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from clergy, health 
professionals, law enforcement officials, and other policy experts on 
Monday, Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D., Union) said Monday.

"There is no question that we need to update our archaic drug laws in 
this country, and the majority of people support regulating, taxing, 
and legalizing marijuana," Scutari said.

The announcement comes as lawmakers prepare for a lameduck session of 
the Legislature and Gov. Christie spends time outside New Jersey 
campaigning for the Republican nomination for president. Marijuana 
has been legalized for all uses in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and 
Alaska, and for medical use in nearly 20 other states, including New Jersey.

Christie, a former federal prosecutor, has said he would revive 
enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized 
it if he were elected president.

New Jersey's medical marijuana law is among the most restrictive in 
the nation, with patients and doctors required to register with the 
state and each pay a $200 fee. There are five medical marijuana 
dispensaries; a sixth is pending.

Scutari, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, sponsored a bill to 
legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in New Jersey for people over 
21. It has not advanced beyond committee.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom