Phil Murphy (D)
New Jersey
| Took Office | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Term Expires | 2021 |
2019 Enacted Legislation
In 2019, Gov. Murphy signed comprehensive legislation into law, Assembly Bill 20, significantly expanding patients’ medical cannabis access. It expands the pool of patients who may receive medical cannabis therapy as well as the pool of medical professionals who may issue recommendations. It also imposes legal protections for patients protecting them from discrimination in the workplace, in hospitals, or on school grounds, among other changes. The Governor also signed legislation, Assembly Bill 5981, facilitating the expungement of low-level marijuana crimes and certain other offenses. (Link)(Link)
2019 Vetoed Legislation
Governor Murphy vetoed a less comprehensive expungement measure early in the legislative session, stating that it did not go far enough to make expungements accessible to those who would benefit from them.
Comments
Legislation to enact legalization stalled in the Senate in 2019. Nonetheless, Gov. Murphy continues to be a vocal proponent of adult-use marijuana legalization. Voters will decide on the issue this November.
“It’s hard to do it [adult-use legalization] legislatively, I admit. It’s always been a default to go to a referendum and ask the people.” (Link)