You could possess up to a pound of marijuana without fear of arrest under a proposed state law.
Under bill S-2535 introduced on Thursday, the distribution and possession of one pound or less of marijuana would still be an unlawful act but with decreased penalties. A first offender would receive a written warning. Second and subsequent offenses would carry a civil penalty of $25, or performance of community service in lieu of payment of a penalty.
“We have been over-penalizing marijuana offenses for far too long. We all know it is not nearly as dangerous as heroin or cocaine and it has no place being classified with them in statute,” state Sen. Sandra Cunningham, D-Hudson, said.
She believes that the tough penalties were intentionally created to target the black community.
Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana in New Jersey is punishable by a $1,000 fine and a six-month jail sentence.