If New Jersey legalizes cannabis, some towns will 'opt out'

As New Jersey inches closer to legalizing recreational marijuana use for adults over 21, some towns consider it a half-baked idea and are opting out.

East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella said his municipality has declared it will ban marijuana growing, manufacturing, warehousing, and retail within its borders. But possession small quantities and in personal residences will become legal if the state proceeds.

New Jersey is still searching for a compromise between Gov. Phil Murphy and the state legislature. The governor wants a 25 percent tax as opposed to 12 percent. He also opposes the proposed establishment of a new commission to oversee licensing.

But even in the absence of a compromise, towns are getting ready to push back. In all, 50 towns, about 10 percent of the state, have declared they will opt out

Mayor Cassella of East Rutherford puts the blame squarely on the shoulders of the federal government for not having one clear law for the country to follow.

The Garden State is poised to vote on legalization by the end of this year.