https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/539897-new-jersey-governor-signs-bills-legalizing-marijuana

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has signed legislation into law legalizing and regulating the use and possession of marijuana for adults 21 years of age and older.

The legislation also decriminalizes marijuana and hashish possession, his office announced Monday.

“Our current marijuana prohibition laws have failed every test of social justice, which is why for years I’ve strongly supported the legalization of adult-use cannabis,” Murphy said in a statement.

“Maintaining a status quo that allows tens of thousands, disproportionately people of color, to be arrested in New Jersey each year for low-level drug offenses is unjust and indefensible,”  he added.

“This November, New Jerseyans voted overwhelmingly in support of creating a well-regulated adult-use cannabis market. Although this process has taken longer than anticipated, I believe it is ending in the right place and will ultimately serve as a national model.”

According to the Asbury Park Press, the move makes New Jersey the 13th state in the nation to legalize the drug.

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