Two bills to legalize recreational marijuana have been sitting on Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk waiting to be signed.

The bills would decriminalize marijuana immediately and set up rules for a legal marijuana marketplace.

The governor said that he is trying to break a deadlock with the Legislature before he approves these bills. Murphy says that he wants to make sure that marijuana use is only legal for New Jersey residents age 21 and up. He says that he also wants to make sure that teens aren’t arrested for possession.

“The last thing any of us want are our kids tied up in our criminal justice system, especially kids of color. And secondly, the voters voted to legalize adult-use marijuana. It says it right on the referendum, 21 and up. That's always been the case. So, getting both of those priorities respected is not an easy process,” the governor said.

Police are currently allowed to use discretion while making marijuana arrests. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has put a hold on all marijuana prosecutors until at least March.