Bill
Bill > AR153
NJ AR153
NJ AR153Urges Congress to deschedule marijuana as Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal "Controlled Substances Act."
summary
Introduced
09/12/2024
09/12/2024
In Committee
09/12/2024
09/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution urges the federal government to change marijuana's classification in the "Controlled Substances Act." Marijuana's current Schedule I classification is at odds with current research and public opinion on its use. Marijuana has several accepted medical uses throughout the United States, having been recommended by thousands of licensed physicians to at least 350,000 patients in states where medical marijuana is legalized. The New Jersey Legislature recognized the value of medical marijuana by passing the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act." Due to marijuana's Schedule I classification, owners and operators of dispensaries in New Jersey are susceptible to both being charged with federal crimes and being victims of theft. This lack of safety for dispensary staff and consumers not only poses a dangerous threat the viability of the marijuana industry in New Jersey but also the physical health and safety of New Jersey residents. Therefore, in order to protect the rights and interest of New Jersey residents and medical marijuana patients, marijuana should no longer be classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
AI Summary
This resolution urges the United States Congress to deschedule marijuana from its current Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The resolution highlights that Schedule I substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and lack of safety for medical supervision—a classification that the resolution argues no longer reflects current scientific understanding and medical practice. New Jersey, along with 37 other states, has recognized marijuana's medical benefits, including alleviating symptoms of conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS. The current federal classification creates significant challenges for patients and businesses, such as preventing medical marijuana patients from receiving insurance coverage, limiting access to banking services, and creating public safety risks due to cash-based operations. By urging Congress to modify marijuana's scheduling, the resolution seeks to protect the health and safety of New Jersey residents, reduce barriers to medical treatment, and address the financial and safety challenges faced by marijuana dispensaries and patients.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (6)
Gabriel Rodriguez (D)*,
William Sampson (D)*,
Michael Venezia (D)*,
Carmen Morales (D),
Annette Quijano (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee (on 09/12/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR153 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/153_I1.HTM |
Loading...