New Jersey lawmakers are expected to hear from health professionals, law enforcement officials and other policy experts Monday in a state hearing on recreational marijuana legalization.
Sen. Nicholas Scutari, chairman of the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation to legalize marijuana early last year, but the bill has not moved beyond the committee. A companion bill introduced in the Assembly also has not passed its committee.
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As noted in an Associated Press report published by The Washington Times, recreational marijuana use is legal in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska.
Medical use is legal in nearly 20 others, including in New Jersey, where laws are among the most restrictive, with patients and doctors required to register with the state and each pay a $200 fee, the Washington Times reports.
There are currently five medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, with a sixth pending.
Read the full Associated Press report here.