Maximum Yield Cannabis USA August / September 2017 | Page 42

consultant's corner
Due Diligence Despite Christie in Office
While Scutari’s original 2014 bill to legalize recreational
marijuana didn’t get off the ground, he and other supporters
have been busy with Christie in office.
A 2016 report by the New Jersey Policy Perspective
and New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform found that
legalization would generate approximately $1.2 billion in
direct sales and $300 million each year once a graduated
tax increase was fully implemented.
“Legalizing, taxing, and regulating marijuana will
increase public safety, improve our criminal justice
system, enhance racial justice, protect young people, save
resources, bolster public health, and generate revenue,”
the report also stated.
Later in the year, Scutari led a group of legislators from
both parties on a Colorado fact-finding mission to see how
the cannabis industry is currently operating in the state.
During their visit, the delegation met with Medicine Man
Technologies’ senior consultants Carrie Roberts and Matt
Best for a tour of our facility and discussion of both the
benefits we’ve achieved and challenges we still face.
“I was on board before we went, but I am absolutely sold
that this industry can be regulated. It’s safe, it’s well-
managed. Colorado has done an amazing job,” Sweeney
commented after the trip.
Even attendee Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth), who
has yet to decide on which way he would vote, said,
“There’s very little downside.”
The New Garden State Recreational
Marijuana Bill
With Christie’s term ending and the numerous benefits
of legalizing adult-use marijuana being brought to light,
things are looking up for Scutari’s bill, and we’re hopeful
that it will be passed, despite a few flaws.
Let’s look at what the measure would entail for New Jersey:
• Possession of up to 50 grams would first be
decriminalized (with a maximum fine of $100) while the
full program gets up and running.
• Legalization of recreational marijuana for
adults 21 and over in the following forms and
quantities: one ounce of marijuana, seven grams of
concentrate, 16 ounces of infused products in solid
form, and 72 ounces in liquid form.
• Establishment of the Division of Marijuana Enforcement
within the state Department of Law and Public Safety.
Within a year, the group will be responsible for
implementing new regulations, as well as helming
licensing programs for growers and distributors.
• Gradually increased taxation on sales: seven per cent in
year one, 10 per cent the next, followed by five per cent
increases until a final rate of 25 per cent is reached.
• Flexibility for local governments to forbid or strictly
regulate marijuana businesses.
• Prohibition of growing marijuana in your own home.
As you can see, the last two are a bit troubling and out
of step with other states where adult use is legal, but
we’ll see how this develops once the bill progresses
through the legislature.
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grow. heal. learn. enjoy.
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