New Jersey became the 13th state to legalize marijuana for adult use when Gov. Phil Murphy signed the enabling legislation on Monday. Discussing the years-long effort toward legalization — and decriminalization — as well as questions about how the nascent industry will work is Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), a lead sponsor of the legalization bill.

Scutari said he was “excited to finally see this program get off the ground” after a “difficult, difficult, difficult” effort to get it done. He talks with Briana Vannozzi, guest host of Chat Box.

Also on Chat Box this week: the debate over reopening New Jersey’s schools.

WATCH: Chat Box: NJ labor commissioner discusses state unemployment system’s problems

MORE: Chat Box: COVID-19’s impact on female employment

Chat Box streams live on NJ Spotlight News and the NJ Spotlight News YouTube channel Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and airs on NJTV Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m.