League Statement on Cannabis Legislation

Today the State Legislature did not act on A4497/S2703, which would legalize adult use of recreational cannabis. League President Colleen Mahr, Mayor of the Borough of Fanwood offered the following comments:

“While the League did not take a position on legalization, we championed provisions important for local municipalities. We know, however, today is not the end of the State’s legalization debate.  This delay will offer local officials a fresh chance to review the current proposal so to assess what their local course of action will be, if and when legalization becomes a reality.

My thanks to my colleagues, including the Urban Mayors Association, the Conference of Mayors and the countless local officials, elected and appointed, who were part of the League’s Task Force on this issue, who charted our course as we analyzed various proposals. Our efforts championing a local tax option to adequately offset costs, safeguarding local planning and assuring social justice are essential for this legislation to advance. The League will continue its advocacy for local governments in New Jersey, providing elected officials with the necessary resources to chart our actions going forward in the weeks, months and years ahead with respect to legalized cannabis.”

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