New Jersey Governor Proposes Cannabis Tax Increase to $15 per Ounce

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy proposed a significant increase in the state's cannabis tax from $2.50 to $15 per ounce during his budget address, aiming to generate tens of millions in revenue for social service and violence intervention programs. This proposal comes just two months after the Cannabis Regulatory Commission raised the tax, which has already generated over $6 million that remains unspent. Senate President Nicholas Scutari opposes the tax hike, arguing it could drive consumers back to the illegal market, as legal cannabis prices in New Jersey are among the highest in the nation. Meanwhile, a separate bill advanced by state Senate leaders could make it a crime for consumers to purchase cannabis from unlicensed sellers, carrying penalties of up to six months in jail. Scutari, who co-sponsored the new bill, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a regulated market to protect consumers. The proposed tax increase and the potential criminalization of unlicensed cannabis purchases reflect ongoing tensions in New Jersey's evolving cannabis landscape.