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NJ AR26

NJ AR26
Urges Congress to deschedule marijuana as Schedule I controlled substance under federal "Controlled Substances Act."


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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 reclassify marijuana, currently designated as a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), to a less restrictive schedule or remove it entirely. The CSA categorizes drugs into schedules based on their accepted medical use, potential for abuse, and safety; Schedule I substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S. The resolution argues that this classification is outdated, as many states, including New Jersey, have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use, and scientific evidence supports its medical benefits for various conditions. The current federal classification creates significant problems, such as preventing medical marijuana patients from accessing insurance coverage or using health savings accounts, limiting access to traditional banking services for marijuana businesses, and posing safety risks due to the need to handle large amounts of cash. By urging Congress to deschedule marijuana, this resolution aims to protect the health and safety of New Jersey residents and support the state's legal marijuana industry.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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