The story about legal weed in America used to be about red versus blue Republicans versus Democrats.

But that's the old story.

Distinguished faith leaders, honored guests and fellow New Jerseyers.

Take New Jersey, where three years ago the Democratic Governor Phil Murphy wanted to embrace this new market.

By legalizing adult use marijuana.

And he said back then,

we are learning from the states that went before us and I often say I'm glad we didn't go first on what not to do.

So for years, Murphy has been trying to legalize weed in his state,

and standing in the way were lawmakers in the state legislature.

And not just Republicans, other Democrats.

Now this bill is being sold under the auspices of social justice when it's really about money.

That's the head of New Jersey's legislative black caucus, Ron Rice.

Back in 2018, he said the state's proposed ban for legal weed would only make the largely white marijuana industry richer.

And Rice wanted the bill to tackle racial disparities in the criminal justice system as well.

What you have in this bill is a commitment.

Well, the language is said we will work on it.

So what you're telling the committee to do is to pass a bill where the money people,

and that's what it's all about, can get what they want.

They can make their money while we work on something down the road.

But that's like promised me, 48% of the mule.

That was then.

Now.

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