Cannabis in New Jersey is not yet legal and people who support the drug for recreational use are getting frustrated.

Many advocates were hopeful that legal weed in New Jersey would be included in the state’s newly enacted budget, but here we are in the middle of July and recreational cannabis remains illegal.

Nonetheless, nearby cities and towns are preparing to embrace the plant for adult use. Cannabis is already permitted for medical use in The Garden State, where lawmakers have been showing their support for the herb. Despite their support, cannabis reform was not accomplished before the budget deadline on June 30, 2018.

The whole situation might seem a little odd, considering the fact that Gov. Phil Murph ran for office campaigning to legalize cannabis within the first 100 days of his administration. So, let’s find out the most likely reasons why the legal cannabis industry does not yet exist in New Jersey.

Legal cannabis opposition is strong 

Murphy might support legal cannabis in New Jersey, but other state leaders would beg to differ. Based on recreational cannabis votes that have been logged by New Jersey Cannabis Insider, legal weed is not possible due to lack of support from the Legislature. Since most lawmakers haven’t publicized their views on cannabis legalization, there’s a chance some of them may vote in favor. However, it’s hard to say if they definitely will. What’s more, over 20 municipalities have forbidden cannabis, whereas only three have fought to embrace cannabis reform.

Advocates are indecisive about cannabis policies 

With so many questions surfacing in regards to cannabis reform in New Jersey, including questions related to tax, cultivation, the economy and social justice issues, the end of June might have been a little bit optimistic. Numerous different policies are being pushed for and so, coming to a conclusion is proving difficult. This is not necessarily a bad thing though. Ongoing discussions will lead to credible arguments that, when resolved in the right way, could contribute to legal weed.

Advocates and opponents can’t agree on how to address social justice issues

Social justice was an issue that Murphy battled for and it is one of the main issues that kept cropping up in disagreements between cannabis advocates. Even those who don’t agree with cannabis legalization believe that people should not be arrested for cannabis possession. Numerous bills have been initiated by State Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union that, if passed, would enable criminals who have committed cannabis-related felonies to have their records wiped clean.

While this idea might seem appealing to many, it’s not sufficient in some people’s opinions. Automatic criminal record expungements are being backed by Policy Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ), Dianna Houenou. Nonetheless, until a decision is made, legal weed will be put on standby.

Lawmakers struggle to compromise in the state’s cannabis industry

Compromise is key for cannabis reform, but lawmakers are struggling to accomplish the task. According to New Jersey Advance Media, Scutari has plans in the pipeline to inaugurate a bill that merges medical cannabis expansion with a recreational cannabis plan. The bill did not receive the support of Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex. Regardless, Scutari was not phased and he went ahead anyway. After introducing the bill, nothing came out of it. Until Scutari and Vitale come to a compromise, weed will remain illegal.

Cannabis reform is better when done right, not quickly

The slow progress of legal weed in New Jersey could be down to the fact that there simply is no rush. Certain lawmakers might have been eager to include cannabis in the state budget by June 30, but the deadline wasn’t the be-all and end-all. Even if it does take time, one thing is for sure: New Jersey will have legalized cannabis with plenty of thought and consideration.

When can legal weed be expected?

Cannabis reform in New Jersey could be just around the corner. Later this summer, legislators are expected to reconsider cannabis legalization. While it is unlikely that legal weed is going to be approved before the end of 2018, Murphy claims he wants to sign a legal weed bill by Jan. 1, 2019.