The Garden State’s slow slog toward the legalization of recreational marijuana appears to have a final bill set for a vote that heavily addresses social justice issues, and the legislation could have some significant benefits for four of the state’s largest cities.

On Monday, the New Jersey Legislature advanced a proposal to legalize and regulate marijuana for adults 21 and older. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved S2703, sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari, (7-2-4), and the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved A4497, sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, (6-1-2).

The next step is to send the legislation to the full chambers for a vote. The state’s Governor Phil Murphy has been a big supporter of legalizing and regulating adult use cannabis. Readers can follow the latest in legislative moves on the Green Market Reports Legislation section.

New Jersey’s Republican former lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno unwittingly made a good case for the legalization of sex work while attempting to trash the state’s proposed recreational cannabis bill.

“If they need revenue that badly let’s legalize a victimless crime and tax it up the wazoo,” she told 101.5 FM host Bill Spadea on Tuesday. “What do I mean by that? Let’s legalize prostitution. It’s better for women because they’ll get good medical care, it will cut out the middleman — if you know what I mean — and it’s between two consenting adults.”

Sen. Nicholas Scutari and Sen. Stephen Sweeney speak to the press after a bill that could legalize recreational use for adults passed committee. North Jersey Record

Gov. Phil Murphy, center, toured the Breakwater Treatment and Wellness center guided by James Froehlich, left, and Andrew Zaleski on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018.

When New Jersey lawmakers authorized the state's first medical marijuana dispensaries in 2010, they assured a skeptical public that the new law "will not do anything but help sick people," in the words of its lead sponsor, Sen. Nicholas Scutari. The six dispensaries were required to operate as nonprofits to alleviate concerns that legal weed would become a cash grab.

New Jersey moved closer to legalizing cannabis Monday after a nearly four-hour hearing.

The legislation now moves to the floor of the state Senate and Assembly. A voting session is scheduled for later this month.

After months of false starts and delays, New Jersey took a big step Monday toward legal weed, with state lawmakers advancing a bill that would legalize the possession and personal use of recreational marijuana.

Committees from both the state Senate and Assembly approved the bill, which now awaits a full vote in the Democrat-controlled state Legislature before it could be signed into law by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

While many hoped New Jersey would legalize recreational marijuana after the election of Governor Phil Murphy, they can at least take solace in knowing that other illegal plants will now be allowed, writes Joseph Misulonas.

After months of delay and backroom disputes, state lawmakers are expected to finally take action next week on legalizing marijuana for adults over age 21. 

And it's getting the fast-track treatment, even though legislative leaders and  Gov. Phil Murphy remain at odds over details of the legislation.

Separate Assembly and Senate committees will meet together for a hearing of debate and are expected to vote on the legalization bill (S2703) on Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m., according to sources familiar with the plan.

One of the most strident opponents in the state Senate to legalizing marijuana said Thursday he is now "leaning yes," and predicted enough Democrats will change their minds and make one of Gov. Phil Murphy's top priorities a reality.

Political insiders have said the "adult use" marijuana legislation has enough support in the 80-member Assembly to pass, but the reluctance of a handful of Democratic senators has stalled negotiations all year.