By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
TRENTON – Just because voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to legalize the use of recreational marijuana, it doesn’t mean you should go out and smoke a joint on the beach.
According to the Associated Press, preliminary vote counts show NJ voters approved the use of recreational marijuana 1,581,871-770,081. Additional ballots are still being counted, but are not expected to change the results of the referendum.
NJ Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal today issued an advisory to law enforcement regarding enforcement of the constitutional amendment legalizing cannabis for those over age 21.
The amendment, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2021, does not allow the use of unregulated cannabis products and still requires action by the Legislature to enact laws that will provide regulations governing the growing, processing and sale of cannabis products.
The possession of marijuana outside New Jersey’s medical cannabis program remains illegal under existing New Jersey laws, he said.
“All of the State’s criminal laws relating to marijuana continue to apply, until, among other things, the Legislature enacts a law creating that regulatory framework,” Grewal said in a statement. “It is important that residents accurately understand the current situation, so they do not inadvertently engage in criminal conduct relating to marijuana.”
He said he would issue additional guidance for law enforcement and prosecutors, who have “broad discretion” in handling “low level” marijuana offenses.
To read his interim guidance to law enforcement, click here.
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