Gov. Elect Promises 2018 Priority on Marijuana Legalization
In a recent television interview by News12 New Jersey, Governor-Elect Phil Murphy made it clear that the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey would be a legislative priority in 2018. He went on to state that he intended to sign into law many of the marijuana legalization proposals already being discussed in the State Legislature, but made no further comment as to which ones specifically, or what changes he intended to make to the proposals, if any, before signing them into law.
However, he also made it clear the many issues the New Jersey government, businesses, and citizens will need to face and decide as marijuana legalization becomes more and more a reality in New Jersey.
NJ Marijuana Legalization and Potential Concerns, Elizabeth Marijuana Defense Attorney
Clearly, the benefits of legalizing marijuana are becoming more and more clear to legislators, businesses, and the populace alike. Greatly increased revenues for businesses, more taxes for the government, jobs for people seeking employment in a variety of fields, and reduced incarceration rates are all significant benefits the legalization of marijuana has had on states like California and Colorado. However, New Jersey lawmakers also recognize some of the decisions and potential impacts such a drastic change in the law could have, and have made it clear that several important considerations will need to be addressed before we move forward.
Some of these concerns include:
- Taxation – While legal marijuana sales will certainly add a great deal of tax revenue to the state’s coffers, it is yet to be decided exactly how this added revenue should be spent.
- Permits – It is also clear that marijuana distributors and cultivators will both need to secure permission to operate in the industry, but what agency oversees these permissions, what factors they consider when awarding permits, and how much these permits will cost is all unclear at this moment.
- Safety Concerns – There is also concern over what kind of protection will be accorded to legalized marijuana sellers, and what, if any, are the safety risks to the community in having a marijuana distributor in their neighborhood, and what can be done to mitigate these concerns and potential safety risks.
Union Marijuana Crimes Lawyer Reminds You “Marijuana is Still Illegal in New Jersey”
So while our Gov. Elect has made it clear that he will be pushing for marijuana legalization in 2018, it is important to remember that the laws regarding marijuana have not yet changed, and offenders will be punished accordingly.
Possession of marijuana in any quantity is illegal unless you have permission through New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program. And while possession of marijuana totaling less than 50 grams is considered a disorderly persons offense, any amount in excess of this quantity is a criminal offense, and can easily result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Beyond possession of marijuana crimes, it is illegal to cultivate marijuana, or sell marijuana to other people, any anyone charged with these crimes should most likely retain the counsel of an experienced attorney in order to mitigate penalties or potentially have the charges dropped.
It is also illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana or possess any kind of marijuana-related paraphernalia.
Finally, if the marijuana crimes for which a person is charged occurred within a school zone (1,000 feet from any school), the penalties are increased significantly.
Contact A Linden Drug Crime Attorney Today
At The Law Offices of Edward S. Cooper, we have extensive experience defending our clients from drug-related charges of all kinds in towns across New Jersey and Union County, including Elizabeth, Westfield, Union, Plainfield, Linden, and Scotch Plains.
Attorney Edward Cooper strongly believes that by listening closely to each of his client’s unique needs, concerns, and the situation in any legal matter, and working closely with them throughout the legal process, he can better work to achieve the type of resolution which protects the legal and financial rights and futures of his clients.
If you have been charged with any kind of drug-related crime including marijuana possession, marijuana distribution, cocaine possession or distribution, heroin possession or distribution, and more, our firm is ready to discuss your charges and options for defense in a confidential consultation.
Call our Linden, NJ office today at (908) 481-4625 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation.
