Legislation has been introduced in New Jersey that will decriminalize possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana, making it a minor offense basically on par with a speeding ticket.

A1465  would establish various degrees of fines for possession of small amounts of cannabis, while removing the severe criminal penalties under the current N.J. law.

Members of the Assembly sponsoring this bill include: REED GUSCIORA, MICHAEL PATRICK CARROLL, BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN, L. GRACE SPENCER, and PETER J. BARNES, III.

This bill also has 13 co-sponsors.

This bill would decriminalize possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana. A person who is found to possess 15 grams or less of marijuana would be subject to a $150 fine for a first violation, a $200 fine for a second violation, and a $500 fine for a third or subsequent violation.

A person who possesses drug paraphernalia for the personal use of 15 grams or less of marijuana would no longer have committed a criminal violation but would be subject to a $100 civil penalty.

Additionally, this bill would establish that it is no longer a disorderly persons offense to be under the influence of marijuana or to fail to voluntarily deliver 15 grams or less of marijuana to the nearest law enforcement officer. This bill would also eliminate the requirement that a person who operates a motor vehicle while in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana must pay a $50 fine and forfeit the right to operate a motor vehicle for a period of two years.

This bill would not apply to persons who are in compliance with the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,”

The federal government bans the use and cultivation of marijuana throughout the U.S., even for medicinal purposes. An honest reading of the Constitution with an original understanding of the Founders’ and Ratifiers’ intent makes it quite clear that the federal government has no constitutional authority to override state laws on marijuana.

To visit the Tenth Amendment Center’s Legislative Tracking Page on state efforts to stand up to the federal government on this issue click HERE.

 

Brenda Poland
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