NJ Moves Closer Towards Legalizing Marijuana

News this week broke regarding New Jersey’s highly speculated marijuana laws. Many people have anticipated that steps will be taken towards legalizing recreational marijuana ever since the state elected the pro-weed Governor Phil Murphy in 2017. In the event that New Jersey does choose to legalize weed, they would join nine other states and Washington D.C. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal just announced that all marijuana-related offenses that are currently being heard in municipal courts across the state will be adjourned until September 4, 2018.

What happens if weed does become legal in New Jersey?

It is important to be aware that marijuana is not technically legal – yet. In the event that it is legalized for personal use, it will have an age restriction similar to state alcohol laws. Only persons 21 and older will be permitted to purchase, possess, and use marijuana.

According to an article by NJ.com, New Jersey currently has the second highest arrest rate in the United States, with 36,000 arrests for marijuana-related issues in 2016 alone.

Issues to watch:

There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding marijuana legalization in New Jersey. A few major topics that remain unclear regarding the drug include the following:

  • Will drivers be penalized for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle? Some suspect that it small quantities may be permitted but violations will be very strict.
  • How will New Jersey handle previous convictions and people who are on probation? Perhaps they will be expunged but it is too soon to tell.
  • Do police have the absolute right to search if they can smell marijuana under the plain smell doctrine?
  • What will happen after September 4, 2018?

With so many questions still up in the air, the residents of New Jersey will just have to wait and see. The attorneys at Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C. are committed to monitoring this issue and keeping up to date on changes to state laws as they unfold. If you have questions regarding marijuana legalization in New Jersey, contact our firm today to discuss your situation.

The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced defense attorneys throughout the state of New Jersey. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding criminal charges and procedures.