In the POLITICO article, “Scutari Seeks to Re-criminalize Buying Small Amounts of Cannabis from Unlicensed Dealers,” Bill Caruso commented on the New Jersey Senate President’s new proposal. On February 20, Nick Scutari proposed a bill to make knowingly buying cannabis from a business that’s not licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission a disorderly person’s offense, equivalent of a misdemeanor. Additionally, the legislation states that selling any amount of cannabis illegally would be a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison.

In response, Bill said New Jersey’s cannabis industry “isn’t plagued by illicit cannabis sales.” However, he did highlight a threat the industry faces saying, “The issue is with unregulated, untested and untaxed intoxicating hemp products being sold throughout New Jersey including to those under 21.” Bill acknowledged that the Legislature dealt with the issue last summer but added that the Murphy administration has failed to properly enact the law. Emphasizing the importance of regulation, Bill said, “That is the number one threat to the legal cannabis industry as well as to the health and safety of unsuspecting cannabis consumers and children.”

To read the complete article, click here. (A subscription may be needed.)