Senator Declan O’Scanlon introduced legislation that would reinstate penalties for underage possession and consumption of alcohol and cannabis.
“When the people of New Jersey voted to legalize cannabis in 2020, it was with the condition that it would remain illegal for anyone under 21 years of age. Despite this clear directive from voters, when legislation was later enacted to formally legalize cannabis, which I opposed due to the bill’s rampant flaws, it basically eliminated any penalties for underage use or possession of not only cannabis, but alcohol as well. Since then, there has been a predictable rise in the illegal use of alcohol and cannabis by young people and a new fad of rowdy pop-up beach parties that is quickly getting out of control,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “We must send a clear message that alcohol and cannabis are still illegal for underage consumption and those who violate the law will be held accountable. This bill would reinstate the penalties for underage drinking and cannabis use that, for many years, were effective in containing the problems we are seeing today.”
Currently, any person under the age of 21 who is caught consuming or in possession of alcohol or cannabis products will receive a written warning from law enforcement and, if the person is a minor, the minor’s parents will be notified of the violation. A person who commits a third offense, will receive a referral for community services, but there is no penalty for declining those services.