Throughout the 2020 election, there was little Americans could agree upon, but 66.91 % of New Jersey residents voted to legalize marijuana. What does this mean? Who does it apply to? Read on to learn about New Jersey’s potential laws regarding marijuana.
Residents voted to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, but new legislature has yet to be passed. This means, outside of NJ’s medical marijuana program, there is still no legal way to buy weed in New Jersey. In fact, regardless of the vote to legalize weed, New Jerseyians can still be arrested for possession of marijuana. Lawmakers must pass new bills to decriminalize possession of weed, and to establish industry rules and regulations.
There is now a gray area when it comes to possession of marijuana. If the legalization of weed is added to the New Jersey constitution, those arrested for possession may be able to utilize this as a new legal defense. But, until new laws are passed, residents can still be arrested for breaking the existing laws.
There is not yet a set date. If all goes well, some predict that weed can begin to be sold in New Jersey between late 2021 and mid-2022. It will not be a quick process. In fact, according to NJ.com, Massachusetts did not open its first dispensary until two years after voters approved legalization. In Maine, it took about four years for dispensaries to open and begin selling weed.
Like alcohol, marijuana will have a legal age. New Jersey residents who are 21 years or older will be able to legally purchase marijuana. Those under 21 may still be arrested for possession of weed.
There are still a lot of questions surrounding the vote to legalize weed in New Jersey and what the new laws will entail. If you or a loved one has a marijuana-related charge in New Jersey and you are interested in learning about how things may change as a result of the vote, reach out to a skilled attorney for more information. The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway is here to offer support and answer any questions you may have.
Kevin T. Conway is an experienced Bergen County criminal attorney handling DUI, DWI, traffic violations, violent crimes, sex crimes, illegal gun possession, shoplifting, and juvenile crimes. Attorney Conway is also experienced in commercial law matters, zoning law, and estate planning. If you need an aggressive criminal lawyer, contact The Law Office of Kevin T. Conway for a free consultation.
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