Pubdate: Sun, 20 May 2012
Source: Times, The (Trenton, NJ)
Copyright: 2012 The Times
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/times/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/458

REDUCE N.J. MARIJUANA POSSESSION PENALITIES TO FIT THE CRIME

The proposal to eliminate potential jail time and decrease fines for 
those caught with small amounts of marijuana is long overdue and a 
welcomed dose of common sense from Trenton legislators.

Before refer madness takes hold for those prone to panic over 
anything marijuana related --- mellow out for a moment.

It is important to remember that decriminalizing marijuana does not 
equal legalizing marijuana. Possession of marijuana would still be 
illegal for those who lack a physician's approval under New Jersey's 
yet-to-be enacted medical marijuana law. The punishment, however, 
would more appropriately fit the crime.

The bill introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) would 
treat possession of marijuana more like a traffic ticket for those 
caught with less than 15 grams. A first offense would cost $150, a 
second offense $200 and a third offense $500. Those caught with 
marijuana under the age of 21 or adults who log three offenses would 
be subject to drug awareness programs.

Currently, those caught with small amounts of marijuana face up to 
six months and jail and a $1,000 fine.

Gusciora's bill, which has already gained 18 co-sponsors including 15 
Democrats and three Republicans, is scheduled for a hearing Monday in 
the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

"There are so many consequences for people who have a drug 
conviction," Roseanne Scotti, state director for the Drug Policy 
Alliance told The Star-Ledger's Matt Friedman. "You have a drug crime 
on your record. It can affect your student loans, your employment in 
addition to the public stigma that goes with being dragged into court 
on a charge like this."

A Rutgers-Eagleton poll in November showed 58 percent of New 
Jerseyans agree that marijuana possession penalties should be 
reduced. Fourteen states including New York and Connecticut have 
already decriminalized marijuana.

The current punishments are onerous and waste valuable court 
resources better spent on serious crimes that threaten public safety. 
Gov. Chris Christie has already shown compassion in his efforts to 
get nonviolent drug offenders out of prison and into treatment. 
Efforts to decriminalize minor marijuana possession offenses would be 
the next logical step.
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