It soon could be legal to possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis in NJ, as bill advances
Lawmakers took another step toward decriminalizing the possession of marijuana Thursday, moving quickly after New Jersey voters last week came out in favor of legalization.
How Much Cannabis Allowed:
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced the bill (S2535), which would legalize possession of up to six ounces of marijuana and make distribution of one ounce a civil penalty.
“I’m really proud that this bill is unique in of its kind," said Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, who sponsored the legislation. "New Jersey will be at the forefront of the decriminalization conversations.”
New York City and Philadelphia have decriminalized just two ounces and one ounce, respectively.
Voters said yes last week to a referendum that will amend the state constitution to make marijuana legal. But legislators still need to pass bills to guide the marijuana industry and also halt arrests for possession.