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.

Most popular articles

All the Cannabis Legalization Measures in Play Right Now

Jay Lassiter – September 11, 2017

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. Read more

Loss of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a Boost for Cannabis Legalization

Jay Lassiter – July 24, 2016

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. Read more

How Did Cannabis Legalization Stall in New Jersey?

Jay Lassiter – March 6, 2018

Gov. Phil Murphy’s inauguration raised the expectations of many cannabis advocates to new heights—maybe a bit too high. Read more

Is This ‘DA Group’ Really Advising Trump on Cannabis?

Jay Lassiter – February 2, 2017

Headlines out of Colorado made it sound like the President had formed an advisory group. We looked into it. It ain't so. Read more

State of the Leaf: Congressman Urges Trump to Respect State Cannabis

Jay Lassiter – April 19, 2017

State of the Leaf is Leafly’s weekly roundup of legalization news from around the nation and the world. Read more

Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)

Pro tips for New Jersey medical marijuana patients

Jay Lassiter – March 8, 2022

A New Jersey patient offers advice for fellow card-holders before the state's dispensaries go rec-legal. Read more

Finally, New Jersey’s Getting a Better Medical Marijuana System

Jay Lassiter – May 24, 2019

Here's the bad news: No adult-use legalization until at least 2020. And no homegrow for patients. Read more

Cannabis Collapse: New Jersey Lawmakers Call Off Legalization Vote

Jay Lassiter – March 25, 2019

“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.” Read more

Legalization Coming ‘Within Weeks,’ New Jersey Advocates Say

Jay Lassiter – February 21, 2019

Lawmakers tussle over taxes, home growing, expungements, and equity in a greener Garden State. Read more

What’s the Holdup, New Jersey? Squabbles Delay Legalization, Again

Jay Lassiter – January 29, 2019

The governor and state leaders are 90% in agreement on a bill to end prohibition. That final 10% is stubborn, though. Read more

Rival Democrats Hold Up Cannabis Progress in New Jersey

Jay Lassiter – January 2, 2019

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. Read more

How Did Cannabis Legalization Stall in New Jersey?

Jay Lassiter – March 6, 2018

Gov. Phil Murphy’s inauguration raised the expectations of many cannabis advocates to new heights—maybe a bit too high. Read more

In Maryland, Products and Patients Are Flowing to Dispensaries

Jay Lassiter – December 20, 2017

Supply was tight during the first week, but patients are finding more products on the shelves at month's end. Read more

All the Cannabis Legalization Measures in Play Right Now

Jay Lassiter – September 11, 2017

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. Read more

New Jersey’s Primary Was a Huge Win for Legalization. Here’s Why

Jay Lassiter – June 7, 2017

The Democratic nominee, Phil Murphy, is all-in on adult use legalization. Even the Republican is for decrim. Read more

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Jay Lassiter

Most popular articles

Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)