Update on Marijuana Cases – Strike the Match?

On July 24, 2018, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal asked all County Prosecutors and Municipal Prosecutors to seek an adjournment of any marijuana related offense pending in municipal court, to September 4, 2018 or later. Today (August 23, 2018), it is being reported that the attorney general’s office will not seek to extend the statewide adjournment of marijuana possession cases pending in municipal court.

News reports indicate that the attorney general will issue guidance to state, county, and local prosecutors informing them that while marijuana possession remains illegal, they may exercise discretion and decide not to prosecute some simple possession cases.

Prior to being elected, Governor Murphy campaigned in favor of legislation to legalize the adult recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey. There have been reports that the legislature will consider a bill to legalize possessing marijuana in mid to late September.

Decriminalization is frequently the first step towards legalizing marijuana. New Jersey appears to be on the brink of taking a monumental step and becoming one of the growing number of states where recreational marijuana use is legal.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a pending marijuana criminal charge, contact Rosenberg | Perry & Associates to learn more about how this may impact your case.