NJ Recreational Pot Bill Approved By Committees; Final Vote Soon

NEW JERSEY — Legal weed took another big step in New Jersey on Monday, and the final approval could be right around the corner.

Legislative committees in both the New Jersey Senate and the Assembly approved a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21 in the state. The bill now heads to the full Senate and Assembly, which would each need to approve it before the bill could land on Gov. Phil Murphy's desk for his signature.

Still, the bill is not a done deal. Support for the current proposal is still a few votes short, and Murphy has been calling lawmakers to find those final votes, NJ Advance Media reported. If he can sway lawmakers, a final vote on recreational marijuana could come as quickly as Monday, March 25. If lawmakers can't shore up the votes, a vote would likely not be attempted until after the November general election.

Even with a final vote likely right around the corner, don't expect to be lighting up by the month's end.

Lawmakers previously told Patch it could take six months to a year to set up the regulatory process to sell marijuana. Medical dispensaries would automatically be granted recreational sales licenses, but any new stores would have to start the process from scratch.

If approved, the bill would also create a pathway for lower-level marijuana convictions to see those convictions expunged. The medical marijuana program would also be expanded: the amount medical patients could buy would be expanded, the frequently of doctor's visits would be reduced, and the sales tax on medical purchases would be phased out.

Residents 21-and-over looking to smoke recreationally would be allowed to purchase and possess up to an ounce of marijuana (growing it at home will remain illegal). It's still not clear how much the consumer will pay for pot, but the tax rate will likely be around 10 percent. Growers will face a $42 per ounce tax.

• Read More: 16 Things To Know About NJ Legal Marijuana Bill Before It's Law