New Jersey legalizes cannabis after years of failed efforts and toxic negotiations

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy finally delivered on a 2017 campaign promise when he signed legislation Monday that legalizes cannabis for adults, decriminalizes the possession of up to six ounces of the drug and codifies criminal justice reforms that will upend how police officers interact with underage offenders.

Despite New Jersey's deep-blue political backdrop and strong tailwinds in support of loosening Reagan-era drug policies, Murphy, a progressive Democrat, came close to rejecting the measures.