(LINDEN) Today, Senator Nick Scutari issued the following statement regarding the passage of ballot referendum #1 supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey.

What began as a mission to bring reform to our criminal justice system and progress to New Jersey has finally become an inescapable reality for my colleagues in the Legislature. Credit is due entirely to voters in this State who, after weighing the apprehension expressed by some politicians, courageously declared that our society is ready for a regulated and safe cannabis industry in New Jersey. As the prime sponsor of this legislation, it’s been my honor to shepherd this effort through several administrations of five governors over seventeen years. Along with Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Speaker Coughlin, I am ready to work with every member of the legislature to take the necessary steps to realize the will of the people that was so overwhelmingly expressed tonight. This is a win for our communities of color, for fairness, and for common sense