Of all the states that have legalized pot of some form on the ballot, New Jersey puzzles some. The vastly Democratic state with a Republic governor may soon has legalized pot. While this state could use the extra tax benefits that legalized pot brings – is the state ready?
One thing that makes New Jersey’s law unique is that you could purchase the pot in cigarette form. Earlier last week, State Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll introduced a piece of legislation (A4193) aimed at legalizing a recreational cannabis market that would operate under the same restrictions the state already has in place for people who buy cigarettes. The lawmaker’s goal is make legal weed available in supermarkets and convenience stores, giving cannabis users the same access to the herb as smokers have for their daily vice.
The proposed law really digs into true foundation of what it means to repeal prohibition by not only legalizing the leaf for adults 19-years-old and older, which is the legal age to buy cigarettes in New Jersey, but it would also serve as a reform to the state’s criminal justice system by expunging the records of those people with previous marijuana offenses.
And the latter is great – we can all agree on that. But should it be a separate bill? That is what some are arguing, and it makes a good point. They are two different issues, and may have two different sets of people clamoring their support. While those who are not fans of legalized pot may not be on the sidelines for it, many are in favor of quashing old marijuana charges for those who served their time or probation, and have went on to lead productive lives.
But, will this pass? Perhaps. The state, even though it has a Republican governor, is liberal, and it is surrounded by other liberal states that may soon follow suit. It only takes one state to be successful with one thing for other states to follow along, and New Jersey have pave the way for others to push for legalized marijuana cigarettes and the quashing of old pot charges.
Canada has a country-wide medical marijuana legalization task force, and while it may be successful, many wonder what is next. The expectation is that legalized recreational marijuana may happen as soon as 2017 – but will this make a big difference? Opinions are mixed, but many in Canada are 
Pot shops are still taboo in many places in the ‘States, so just think about the reception of marijuana cigarette companies. Yeah… for some it’s not good. For others, it’s great! Waling in, buying the pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes that are all ready to smoke is a dream for some – and it’s now a reality, thanks to MCIG Rollies. Can you do the same thing? Sure. As long as you have the right support team in place.
Boulder, Colorado has reported a whopping 8.4 million is taxes from its legalized marijuana sales. Yes – that’s million. So, what does this mean for you if you live in Boulder County? Well, it means improved roads, infrastructure, and schools. These tax benefits and their promises is how Colorado and other states (and cities) are getting the legalization of medical or recreational marijuana. But, for the average marijuana merchant, does this really mean anything?
In the many businesses that women lead in, marijuana isn’t usually what you think of. Due to 13 states legalization of recreational and/or medical marijuana, women have taken the reigns of this up and coming legal business. In 2015 the industry brought in around $5.4 billion, and many of those profiting were women. Some are savvy, long-driven business women, and others were simply mothers who wanted to help the public gain access to much-needed (and wanted) medical marijuana. Whatever the reason – and whomever the merchant – these women are taking the United States by storm, but there is one thing that can hold them back.
While legalization of marijuana in many forms – and in many states – garnered over $5 billion dollars in 2015, the sums are expected to grow for 2016. More unique products are being created, and the stigma that once surrounded reefer is slowly fading. These changes are helping the industry to boom, even though it is still a federal offense to sell, grow, or possess it. The Feds are hating this legalization, but they must be loving the taxes that the government is gaining from these sales.
Colorado’s legalized marijuana sales in 2015 may have hit two major records. While the numbers are not yet certain, the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division believes that the legalized products brought in over $900 million in 2015, doubling 2014’s numbers. The other big number belongs to the tax revenue for the state that the marijuana sales brought in 2015, which is upwards of $80 million. These numbers alone should legitimize the industry, but many still are wary of it.
Luckily for the marijuana industry, the legalization is voted in by each state. 22 state currently have some form of legalization, and like any law, not all citizens are pro-marijuana. Lawmakers and citizens on both sides are teaming up, fighting for tougher regulations or more relaxed regulations. Throughout this process, the industry has been growing, providing state revenues that few other industries can touch. This leads to major problems for new and existing merchants, and the riskiness of this industry is far from changing.
While the Feds, the state government, and opposing citizens are big issues for marijuana merchants, the California Marijuana Legalization Legislation may have inadvertently delivered a new issue for merchants to deal with: the balance of business versus public health. Apparently their promotions are for new business measure, without any effort to educate the public about marijuana. While this is something that should be corrected, it could lead to even bigger issues when marijuana merchants look for business funding.