New Jersey voters approve to legalize recreational marijuana

New Jersey voters have approved a constitutional ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over.

New Jersey becomes the 12th state to legalize recreational marijuana

This will establish a framework for marijuana regulation in the Garden State.

The Associated Press called the referendum just after 9:50 pm.

Lawmakers must still pass a bill governing the rules and regulations of the industry.

Gov. Phil Murphy, along with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, must still name appointees to a Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which will oversee the industry.

New Jersey is one of five states that voted on marijuana reform ballot initiatives.

Heading into Election Day, 11 states had legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over, and 34 states had legalized medical marijuana.

It’s unclear how soon after the amendment passes that marijuana could hit the market.