-2a9c71b41658223e.jpg

An unidentified worker trims marijuana plants inside the sprawling Garden State Dispensary, New Jersey's third medical marijuana clinic, which opened in December on Rt. 1 in Woodbridge.

(Andy Mills/The Star-Ledger)

TRENTON

— State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) announced Friday he intends to introduce a bill that would

legalize marijuana for recreational use.

Saying the war on marijuana has been a "miserable failure," Scutari wants New Jersey to regulate the growth, possession and sale of pot would dry up the illegal drug market, clean up streets and create a new source of tax revenue.

Scutari’s bill is still a work in progress, but he said he envisions creating a licensed dispensary system, similar to how registered patients buy medical marijuana now. Scutari sponsored the medical marijuana law.

The proposed legislation — expected to be introduced within the next month — comes on the heels of legalization of pot in Colorado and Washington. But its prospects are doubtful. When asked whether he would support a separate bill decriminalizing the possession of small amount of marijuana, Gov. Chris Christie, a former U.S. Attorney, said he would have no part of it.

Do you think New Jersey should legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use? Vote in the poll above.

RELATED COVERAGE

• Legalize marijuana in NJ? One lawmaker says yes

• Gov. Chris Christie says he'll veto bill to decriminalize marijuana

• More Politics







FOLLOW STAR-LEDGER POLITICS: TWITTER • FACEBOOK • GOOGLE+