Jay Lassiter
Jay has been covering New Jersey politics since 2005, when he founded a political journalism site and became the first credentialed statehouse blogger in America. He currently reports on politics for Leafly and the New York Observer.
Jay has been covering New Jersey politics since 2005, when he founded a political journalism site and became the first credentialed statehouse blogger in America. He currently reports on politics for Leafly and the New York Observer.
Most popular articles
All the Cannabis Legalization Measures in Play Right Now
Most of this year’s cannabis-related politicking involves laying the groundwork for 2018, when at least a half-dozen medical and adult-use measures may go up for a vote.
Jay Lassiter - September 11, 2017Loss of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a Boost for Cannabis Legalization
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's cannabis antipathy is evidenced in word, deed, and voting record. And that could cost her at the polls.
Jay Lassiter - July 24, 2016How Did Cannabis Legalization Stall in New Jersey?
Gov. Phil Murphy’s inauguration raised the expectations of many cannabis advocates to new heights—maybe a bit too high.
Jay Lassiter - March 6, 2018Is This ‘DA Group’ Really Advising Trump on Cannabis?
Headlines out of Colorado made it sound like the President had formed an advisory group. We looked into it. It ain't so.
Jay Lassiter - February 2, 2017State of the Leaf: Congressman Urges Trump to Respect State Cannabis
State of the Leaf is Leafly’s weekly roundup of legalization news from around the nation and the world.
Jay Lassiter - April 19, 2017Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)
Finally, New Jersey’s Getting a Better Medical Marijuana System
Here's the bad news: No adult-use legalization until at least 2020. And no homegrow for patients.
Jay Lassiter - May 24, 2019Cannabis Collapse: New Jersey Lawmakers Call Off Legalization Vote
“We’ll be back at this," Senate President Steve Sweeney said at a news conference Monday after the vote was called off. "Anybody who thinks this is dead is wrong.”
Jay Lassiter - March 25, 2019Legalization Coming ‘Within Weeks,’ New Jersey Advocates Say
Lawmakers tussle over taxes, home growing, expungements, and equity in a greener Garden State.
Jay Lassiter - February 21, 2019What’s the Holdup, New Jersey? Squabbles Delay Legalization, Again
The governor and state leaders are 90% in agreement on a bill to end prohibition. That final 10% is stubborn, though.
Jay Lassiter - January 29, 2019Rival Democrats Hold Up Cannabis Progress in New Jersey
The New Jersey Legislature meets again on January 15, when they’ll have another opportunity to fix what ails the state’s MMJ program or kick the can down the road. Again.
Jay Lassiter - January 2, 2019How Did Cannabis Legalization Stall in New Jersey?
Gov. Phil Murphy’s inauguration raised the expectations of many cannabis advocates to new heights—maybe a bit too high.
Jay Lassiter - March 6, 2018In Maryland, Products and Patients Are Flowing to Dispensaries
Supply was tight during the first week, but patients are finding more products on the shelves at month's end.
Jay Lassiter - December 20, 2017All the Cannabis Legalization Measures in Play Right Now
Most of this year’s cannabis-related politicking involves laying the groundwork for 2018, when at least a half-dozen medical and adult-use measures may go up for a vote.
Jay Lassiter - September 11, 2017New Jersey’s Primary Was a Huge Win for Legalization. Here’s Why
The Democratic nominee, Phil Murphy, is all-in on adult use legalization. Even the Republican is for decrim.
Jay Lassiter - June 7, 2017New Jersey Pols Ready to End Prohibition When Christie Exits
State Sen. Nick Scutari introduced an adult-use legalization bill this morning, with an eye on Jan. 2018.
Jay Lassiter - May 15, 2017