Today, cannabis advocates in New Jersey breathed a sigh of relief as the state governor, Philip Dunton Murphy, vowed to “align” New Jersey’s vision and leadership by lifting the laws on cannabis.

The 56th governor of New Jersey is already making history with his decision to overthrow the cannabis policies that were put into place by the Trump administration.

This is a big shift in circumstances for New Jerseyans, who were recently left in a state of despair when, at the beginning of January, the Obama cannabis policy was terminated. The cannabis legislation move was frowned upon by NJ’s Senate president, Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester).

“This is something Murphy supports. it’s a priority and it’s something we’re going to need to do,” Sweeney, a cannabis supporter, told the Washington Examiner.

Who is Philip Dunton Murphy?

Aged 60, Murphy has lead an incredible life, with his previous job roles including a Goldman Sachs senior director and U.S. ambassador for Germany. Married with four children, the Bostonian seems to be taking his new job role seriously.

“A stronger and fairer New Jersey embraces criminal justice reform comprehensively, and that includes a process to legalize marijuana,” the new state governor said at his inauguration speech in Trenton on January 16, 2018.

Within just a few moments of being appointed governor of New Jersey, Murphy reflected on what had previously happened in the governor’s office by commending former state governor Christopher James Christie for his efforts to resolve the opioid dilemma during his time in office.

On January 9, Christie delivered his last state of the state address. Now, Christie, who was once described as the most “unpopular governor in the history of New Jersey” will enjoy a private life with his family. While Christie takes a back seat, Murphy will, hopefully, live up to his word.

“Legalize marijuana so police can focus resources on violent crimes,” reads a statement on his campaign website.

There’s a good reason why Murphy is giving cannabis legislation the “green light”.

Cannabis legislation has been linked to reduced crime rates and there are now more cannabis dispensaries in certain states than Starbucks. Permitted for medical use in 2010 under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in The Garden State.

Approximately 12,500 medical marijuana patients were registered in the state by the time 2016 came to an end. This figure is predicted to increase immensely when the strict rules and regulations surrounding New Jersey cannabis legislation are repealed.

What does the future hold for New Jersey?

According to Murphy himself, New Jersey cannabis legalization could pull in tax revenue in excess of $300 million. It’s not just cannabis legalization that the newly elected Democratic governor will work towards, however.

In addition to legalizing cannabis, Murphy will focus on meeting public-sector needs, integrating a wider scope of criminal-justice reforms, increasing public-school funding, creating high-wage employment opportunities, and setting a “fiscally and morally” balanced state budget.