By Elizabeth Scalzo
Editor-in-Chief
In today’s update we’ll explore why the legislation for legalized marijuana hasn’t been passed yet; and who and where in Bergen County the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed.
Back in November, New Jersey voters sent in their ballots and voted to legalize marijuana use for those who are 21 and up. However, when the new year came on Friday, the legislation hadn’t passed yet. This is because of the new laws being made regarding those who are under age and found with the drug, according to the Asbury Park Press.
The hold-up on passing the legislation is creating new possession laws for those who are underage, since one of the goals of Gov. Phil Murphy is to also decriminalize drug offenses, starting with marijuana, the Asbury Park Press reported.
Priority Vaccinations
The other thing everyone is wondering is “when can I get the coronavirus vaccination?” In Bergen County, Phase One of distribution is broken down into 3 categories:
- 1a: All paid and unpaid persons in healthcare facilities that have chances of direct or in-direct contact as well as employees and residents of long-term care facilities
- 1b: All frontline and essential workers along with people over the age of 75
- 1c: All other essential workers, adults ages 65-74 and persons ages 16-64 with preexisting health conditions that are at a higher risk
The general public will be included in phase two of distribution, according to Patch.com.
The Meadowlands in Bergen County is one of the six megasites for distribution; there will also be distribution at select pharmacies in the county, Patch.com reports.
As of this morning, there were 5,511 new COVID-19 cases in NJ, bringing the state total to 490,000 cases, according to Google Statistics. Bergen County had 432 of these cases.
Tune in tomorrow for the daily news update at 10 a.m.
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