New Jersey Candidates Divided on Cannabis Home Growing Legislation

New Jersey's state legislature is considering a bill that would allow patients with sickle cell anemia to use medical marijuana, a condition that severely affects blood cell production and often causes significant pain. Meanwhile, the state's upcoming gubernatorial election has sparked a debate over home cultivation of cannabis; four Democratic candidates support allowing both medical and recreational users to grow their own plants, while some Republican candidates also advocate for medical-only home growing. The current governor, Phil Murphy, is barred from seeking a third term, and the high prices of legal cannabis have prompted calls for reform. In Connecticut, several hemp and cannabis-related bills are being discussed to support the struggling hemp industry, with lawmakers expressing concern over regulations that have hindered growth since adult-use legalization in 2021. Additionally, Texas is looking to expand its restrictive medical cannabis program through proposed legislation, which aims to improve access to low-THC products for patients. The ongoing discussions in these states highlight the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation across the U.S.