Recreational marijuana dispensaries in New Jersey open their doors for the first time
ELIZABETH, N.J. -- It was a historic day in the Garden State on Wednesday as recreational sales of marijuana for those 21 and older started.
CBS2's Meg Baker was with Gov. Phil Murphy and the crowds who waited in line in Elizabeth.
Hundreds of people lined up outside Zen Leaf to be one of the first to purchase cannabis legally.
"I just bought legal marijuana and legal candy," said Charles Phifer of Scotch Plains.
"We are going in here get some recreational weed and we going home to get high," said Susan Whitaker of Virginia.
"Hope to break the stigma of cannabis," added Chris DePazza of Carteret.
READ MORE: Poll: 66 percent of Americans want recreational marijuana legalized on a federal level
The governor highlighted the economic importance of launching this new industry in the state.
"Industry that will create many new good paying jobs. It is projected to exceed more than $2 billion in sales within the next four years, and we remain committed to ensuring that the industry grows in a way that reflects the diversity of our state," Murphy said.
He said social equity has been the main driver of legalization.
"Including the look back, expungements, including who is behind the counter when you walk in, who has access to the product, who gets then licenses, where the money that the state gets goes and is invested," Murphy said.
Zen Leaf says medical patients will remain the priority. The first and last hour of the day will be for patients only.
"Good thing we've been planning on this over a year, stepping up ramping up cultivation over past few months," executive VP James Leventis said.
Some caution the state has moved too fast. Kevin Sabet with the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana fear with more access to the drug, it could wind up in the hands of children and, "There's no limits of THC in New Jersey that really worries me. There's very few limits on advertising that it really worries me, and I think law enforcement and others -- parents, coaches and many people -- are really concerned about the driving issue."
After some lawmakers expressed concern about law enforcement being allowed to consume while off duty, the governor said he was open to amending the law. However, state Senate President Nicholas Scutari did not agree.
"At this point in time, I don't want to start treating people individually, differently on what they do on their own time. Then we're going to tell you can't watch program on Sunday before you work, then tell you you can't drink alcohol. There's a lot of different personal behaviors that I don't think the state should be interfering with. Obviously, we have no-tolerance policy on job, whether police, fire, truck drivers or secretary, you don't come to the job under influence of anything or lose your job," Scutari said.
Recreational marijuana is now available at seven locations in the state. Customers cannot buy more than an ounce at a time.
Products are regulated and taxed. The revenue is supposed to be directed toward community reinvestment.
Hundreds line up for first day of recreational marijuana sales
Thursday was a historic day as the first legal purchases of recreational pot were made in New Jersey.
As CBS2's Cory James reports, hundreds of people found the time to grab a spot in line.
Raquel Walker had only one place to be after work.
"As soon as I got off, 3 o'clock, I was here," she said. "I'll wait here all day."
The 21-year-old raced from her security job in Newark and stood in line in Maplewood to legally purchase cannabis at Apothecarium Dispensary.
"I've been smoking all my life," Walker said. "I never even though this was ever going to happen in my lifetime, honestly ... Buying marijuana off the streets, you never know what they have and what's in it."
Recreational marijuana is now allowed for adults 21 and older.
"It's been a year and a half since we voted on it, so yeah, it's a historic day," said Brian Konchalski, of Union.
Gov. Phil Murphy believes sales are expected to exceed $2 billion in four years.
Customers are able to buy: up to 1 ounce of dried flower; up to 5 grams or concentrates, resins or oils, or ten 100mg packages of items you can eat.
"Adult-use cannabis industry will not only be an engine of our future economic growth, but of our ongoing efforts to ensure economic and social equity and justice, and to undo the decades of damage to our communities from a failed war on drugs," Murphy said.
Despite the economic impact, some are worried about what will happen to the products after customers leave with them.
"Whether it's accidental ingestion, like 5-year-olds eating a gummy bear from a desk and then having to go to the emergency room, or whether it's kids, teenagers getting it from older siblings, just like they do alcohol, which is legal," said Kevin Sabet, with Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
The New Jersey Regulatory Commission is monitoring what happens inside its 12 stores, saying it had to investigate only a few minor complaints on opening day.
It was a busy day that some stores were ready for.
"We have hired just for retail alone over 60 additional employees," said Chantelle Elsner, senior vice president of retail operations for TerrAscend. "It's really more than doubling our usual workforce."
CBS2 reached out to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission for revenue sales for this first day, but those numbers were not available.
Workers at the Apothecarium Dispensary say they had close to 1,000 customers.
Marijuana in the Tri-State Area
The rest of the Tri-State Area is still working on getting marijuana dispensaries up and running.
In New York, dispensary licenses reportedly will be issued later this year. That would clear the way for stores to open and recreational use of marijuana by adults in the beginning of next year.
Meanwhile, retail pot stores in Connecticut could be open by the end of the year. The state legalized recreational marijuana last summer.
The history of the legalization of marijuana
The legalization of marijuana started in 1996 when California voters approved Proposition 215, legalizing marijuana at the state level for medical purposes.
Then in 2012, voters in Colorado and Washington passed the first referendums, clearing the way for recreational use.
As of this year, cannabis can be used in 37 states for medical purposes and 18 states for recreational use.
Buyers line up in Bloomfield
History was made in New Jersey on Monday as the first legal sales of recreational marijuana and cannabis products were made.
Long lines formed outside RISE Dispensary in Bloomfield well before the shop opened for the day. Melissa Correa from Plainfield was first to get inside.
"It's an epic, epic day," Correa said. "When I walk out that door, I know I can come back anytime that I want."
Like alcohol, anyone buying must be 21 or older. No medical cards are required, CBS2's John Dias reported.
"I'm 75 years old. This is, it's unbelievable," said Bob Ippolito from Jersey City.
Sales are limited to an ounce or less at a time and businesses must be certified. The state's Cannabis Regulatory Commission issued licenses to 13 retail dispensaries and seven alternate treatment centers.
Gov. Phil Murphy visited a dispensary in Elizabeth, where he spoke about the financial perks of recreational marijuana.
"Today is the start of an entirely new industry in our state," Murphy said. "It is projected to exceed more than $2 billion in sales within the next four years."
The products are regulated and taxed, with revenue supposedly going to community reinvestments.
"Too many people use it. It's become too much of an issue now, and now they can benefit off it," said Amanda Evans from Bloomfield.
"Hopefully other states that need more money coming in can be like, 'New Jersey is making a lot of extra cash on taxes,'" said Pablo Benitez from Newark.
Opponents worry about potential negative side effects, like more impaired driving and a wave of younger marijuana users.
"We're imploring everyone ... make sure you keep it away from your children," Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski said.
The CEO of Green Thumb Industries, which operates 77 dispensaries in the U.S., said marijuana is not a gateway drug.
"Cannabis and marijuana is an exit drug. The more cannabis that's available, the less opioid overdoses, the less opioid deaths," Ben Kovler of Green Thumb Industries said.
New Jersey is the fourth state on the east coast to legalize recreational marijuana.
Governor at grand opening
Marking the historic opening day of adult-use recreational cannabis sales in New Jersey. WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/OPVZOEYqEP
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 21, 2022
The governor and other elected officials were on hand for the grand opening at Zen Leaf in Elizabeth.
"This is a moment I'm incredibly proud to see us get to. Getting to today was a cornerstone promise is social and economic justice that I made nearly six years ago when I first began seeking this office. Getting to this moment, was also the hope of the overwhelming majority of New Jerseyans who supported establishing our legal adult use cannabis marketplace and industry in 2020," Murphy said. "But what makes me even more proud is the way in which we got here. I know there are some who expected to vote for legal cannabis on November 3 2020, and be able to purchase it on November 4. If it only were that simple. The overriding need was for us to make sure that we got this right the first time. It took long hours of working alongside our extraordinary legislative leaders and partners to ensure the statutory backbone for this industry was sound."
NJCTA celebrates "a long time coming"
The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association shared the following statement with CBS2:
"This historic day was a long time coming. Decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis, while also working to establish the foundation of an adult-use recreational market, is a very complex process, and the NJCTA applauds those who were instrumental in ultimately making today happen.
New Jersey voters, who overwhelmingly expressed their support to purchase legal cannabis in the state, now have the ability to purchase safe and regulated adult-use cannabis in a secure and reliable forum. Furthermore, communities who were adversely affected by the War on Drugs will finally realize the monetary benefits the adult-use market will generate, as taxes from legal cannabis sales will be devoted to supporting social equity goals throughout the state.
In due time, all New Jerseyans will realize the tax benefits of this budding industry. Predicted to become one of the East Coast's largest cash crops, the adult-use market will boost our economy with sales slated to surpass $2 billion in just a few years.
The NJCTA plans to continue working with Governor Murphy and the CRC to ensure New Jersey's adult-use market reaches its full potential, and stays true to its original mission of continuing to serve the medicinal marijuana-program patients of New Jersey."
Murphy: "A historic moment"
Today, recreational adult-use cannabis sales begin in New Jersey.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 21, 2022
Today is the start of an entirely new industry for our state, and a historic moment in our work to advance social and economic justice.
"Today, recreational adult-use cannabis sales begin in New Jersey," the governor tweeted. "Today is the start of an entirely new industry for our state, and a historic moment in our work to advance social and economic justice."
Early morning lines
CBS2's John Dias is reporting in Bloomfield, where people started lining up early for the 6 a.m. opening.
SKY HIGH EXCITEMENT: People are eager to legally buy marijuana and cannabis items in #NJ for the first time in history! Long lines growing! Latest on @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/R0rAU8r0M5
— John Dias (@JohnBDias) April 21, 2022
Anticipation sky high
From residents...
"My mom is not going to like this message, but yeah, I'm a stoner," Bloomfield resident Jomey Irizaroy told CBS2.
To businesses...
"There have been people for decades literately consuming this product because they know it's been good for them. We believe cannabis is about well being," said Ben Kovler, of Green Thumb Industries.
And advocates...
"What we're talking about is a step towards repairing the harms of the warn on drugs," ACLU New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha added.
The Garden State is gearing up for the changes.
Sinha told CBS2 the state needs to make sure the cannabis industry is diverse and puts tax revenue toward community reinvestment.
"So that the communities that have been hardest hit by the war on drugs are able to benefit from legalization," he said.
While many see this as a positive step, others can't help but worry about the negative side effects, including the possible coming wave of new marijuana users: Young kids.
"So our one concern, and we're imploring everyone, is to make sure you keep it away from your children," said Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski.
The potential for higher rates of impaired driving is also an issue being talked about. AAA has partnered with Students Against Destructive Driving to educate young people on some of the potential risks.
"There's no difference between the under the influence of marijuana driving and under the influence of drunk driving. We need to understand that both are just as dangerous, regardless of how we may feel about it," Lauren Zimmerman Meade, of SADD, said.
According to New Jersey's attorney general, off-duty police officers are allowed to consume cannabis. But the mayors of Jersey City and Bayonne said Wednesday that officers are banned from doing so.
Poll: 66% of Americans on board with legal pot
CBS2's Dave Carlin has a look at where marijuana laws stand in our area:
Garden State gearing up
CBS News New York hears from Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern ahead of Thursday's opening: