Jersey City doesn't have the power to decriminalize weed, despite city officials' attempts to roll up a new policy earlier this week, according to a memo from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.
Friday's memo from Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to the city's new prosecutor, Jake Hudnut, contained some crushing news for local cannabis activists and users. According to Grewal's letter, Jersey City does not have the legal authority to decriminalize marijuana or refuse to criminally prosecute all marijuana-related offenses.
Grewal told Hudnut that the city's new policy is now "void and has no effect," and said it was "disappointing" that the prosecutor didn't try to consult with either himself or Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. (Read the full memo below)
Jersey City had planned to establish a decriminalization policy, as outlined in a memo dated Thursday, July 19, that will downgrade and even dismiss charges against many – but not all – pot offenders. The recommended sentence for a conviction of these offenses would likely be a fine no greater than $50 or five hours of community service.