Assembly Bill 2050, legislation to decriminalize minor marijuana possession offenses in New Jersey, is pending in the General Assembly.
If approved, the legislation would remove criminal penalties for those who possess 15 grams of marijuana or less. Offenders would face civil fines of (1) $ 150 for a first violation; (2) $ 200 for a second violation; (3) $ 500 for a third or subsequent violation, but would no longer face arrest, criminal prosecution, or a criminal record. Those who possess more than 15 grams of marijuana but less than 50 grams would face a disorderly persons offense. Those who possess more than 50 grams would continue to face criminal charges.
Under current state law, the possession of up to 50 grams of cannabis is classified as a disorderly person penalty, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $ 1,000 fine.
New Jersey’s 24,765 arrests for possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2013 was the state’s highest number in 20 years
Enter your zip code below to contact your lawmakers and urge their support for this measure.
For additional information you can contact New Jersey NORML here. Or you can check out their Facebook page here.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
