N.J. Stat. § 24:6I-32

Current through L. 2023, c. 280.

Section 24:6I-32 - Findings, declarations relative to the regulation and use of cannabis

The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. It is the intent of the people of New Jersey to adopt a new approach to our marijuana policies by controlling and legalizing a form of marijuana, to be referred to as cannabis, in a similar fashion to the regulation of alcohol for adults;

b. It is the intent of the people of New Jersey that the provisions of this act will prevent the sale or distribution of cannabis to persons under 21 years of age;

c. This act is designed to eliminate the problems caused by the unregulated manufacturing, distribution, and use of illegal marijuana within New Jersey;

d. This act will divert funds from marijuana sales from going to illegal enterprises, gangs, and cartels;

e. Black New Jerseyans are nearly three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white New Jerseyans, despite similar usage rates;

f. New Jersey spends approximately $127 million per year on marijuana possession enforcement costs;

g. Controlling and legalizing cannabis for adults in a similar fashion to alcohol will free up precious resources to allow our criminal justice system to focus on serious criminal activities and public safety issues;

h. Controlling and legalizing cannabis for adults in a similar fashion to alcohol will strike a blow at the illegal enterprises that profit from New Jersey's current, unregulated illegal marijuana market;

i. New Jersey must strengthen its support for evidence-based, drug use prevention programs that work to educate New Jerseyans, particularly young New Jerseyans, about the harms of substance use disorder;

j. New Jersey must enhance State-supported programming that provides appropriate, evidence-based treatment for those who suffer from the illness of substance use disorder;

k. Controlling and regulating the manufacturing, distribution, and sales of cannabis will strengthen our ability to keep it along with illegal marijuana away from minors;

l. A controlled system of cannabis manufacturing, distribution, and sales must be designed in a way that enhances public health and minimizes harm to New Jersey communities and families;

m. The legalized cannabis marketplace in New Jersey must be regulated so as to prevent persons younger than 21 years of age from accessing or purchasing cannabis;

n. A marijuana arrest in New Jersey can have a debilitating impact on a person's future, including consequences for one's job prospects, housing access, financial health, familial integrity, immigration status, and educational opportunities; and

o. New Jersey cannot afford to sacrifice public safety and individuals' civil rights by continuing its ineffective and wasteful past marijuana enforcement policies.

N.J.S. § 24:6I-32

Amended by L. 2023, c. 177,s. 54, eff. 11/20/2023.

Added by L. 2021, c. 16,s. 2, eff. 2/22/2021.