The following can be attributed to ACLU-NJ Policy Director Sarah Fajardo:
“Cannabis arrests need to end, and they need to end now – we need legalization and decriminalization signed into law immediately. Today’s clean-up bill is part of that process, but we need to make sure that we do not lose sight of the ultimate goals of ending cannabis prohibition: to ensure that no one is ensnared unjustly in a criminal legal system marked by inequities, and that includes young people.
“Today’s clean-up bill reduces the range of fine amounts for youth aged 18-21 from the originally proposed amount in S21/A21, creates a diversionary program for youth under 18 for cannabis possession.
“It also adds license suspension as a punishment for cannabis use by minors, despite efforts statewide to limit this practice for adults because of its unequal effects and injustices. A license is a necessity to get to work and school for a significant number of New Jerseyans, including those under 21, and disrupting their lives by taking away their opportunities harms everyone.
