Jersey City is implementing a marijuana decriminalization policy that its mayor and new chief municipal prosecutor believe will increase racial justice while protecting public safety.
The policy, which is expected to begin officially tomorrow, will downgrade some marijuana charges to non-criminal offenses; encourage prosecutors to seek dismissal of low-level marijuana charges; and recommend diverting defendants with a criminal past and signs of addiction to the city's community court.
The city's action comes as New Jersey is moving slowly toward approving recreational marijuana. Philadelphia decriminalized marijuana in 2014 and New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio announced in May that he ordered police officers there to stop arresting people caught smoking pot.
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Asbury Park should consider
Asbury Park should consider doing the same